Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that public support for Israel in India is so strong it amounts to ‘fandom-level enthusiasm’. Speaking at a conference in the West Bank on Thursday, he described India as a ‘major power’ and emphasized the special importance of relations between the two countries. Netanyahu noted that while Israel faces controversies and legitimacy challenges in many parts of the world, such issues are absent in India. He also claimed that his social media following is higher in India than in any other country.

Netanyahu recalled his 2018 visit to India with his wife Sara as a moment of ‘love and warm reception’ and mentioned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, which he said was met with similar warmth. He has previously discussed his popularity in India, including in an interview with CBS’s ‘60 Minutes’, where he highlighted India’s strong interest in Israel.

Analysts cited in the report said Netanyahu’s renewed focus on India-Israel ties comes as public support for Israel in the United States gradually declines.