Modi-Netanyahu rapport, Hindu-Jew ties, food & culture—former BJP MP brings back ‘Namaste Shalom’

The article from The Print highlights the revival of the magazine Namaste Shalom, an initiative led by former BJP MP Tarun Vijay that aims to celebrate and strengthen the multifaceted relationship between India and Israel. Set against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2026 visit to Israel, the magazine serves as a cultural and diplomatic bridge, moving beyond traditional defense and strategic cooperation to focus on shared values, food, and civilizational ties.

The publication emphasizes the personal rapport between PM Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, framing their bond as a catalyst for a deeper “Hindu-Jew” connection. By exploring commonalities in culture and history, the initiative seeks to foster greater people-to-people engagement and highlight the long-standing harmony between the two communities. Ultimately, the relaunch of Namaste Shalom symbolizes a “new era” in bilateral relations, where soft power and mutual heritage are used to reinforce the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Jerusalem.