'No undercover work!' PM Modi meets Fauda star cast on Israel visit, posts selfie
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a lighthearted moment during his visit to Israel by posting a selfie with the star cast of the popular Israeli spy thriller series *Fauda*. The photo, captioned humorously with “Thankfully, this interaction required only a selfie, no undercover work!” was posted on X. This meeting took place as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural and entertainment ties between India and Israel.
*Fauda*, meaning "chaos" in Arabic, is a critically acclaimed political thriller that explores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through high-stakes undercover operations and counterterrorism missions. The series gained global recognition for its portrayal of the human cost of prolonged violence on both sides. PM Modi’s engagement with the cast highlights the growing interest in Indian-Israeli collaborations in the entertainment industry.
The meeting reflects broader efforts to enhance cultural exchange between India and Israel. Last year, an Indian film festival in Israel showcased a diverse lineup of Bollywood films, including *Dangal*, *Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara*, and *Mimi*. These initiatives align with India’s goal of positioning itself as a global film production hub. Similarly, during Netanyahu’s 2018 visit to India, he famously urged Bollywood stars to shoot in Israel, capturing a memorable selfie with Amitabh Bachchan.
India’s entertainment industry is valued at $29–30 billion and is one of the largest film producers globally. It has significant cultural influence across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. In contrast, Israel’s industry is smaller but influential, known for high-quality dramas and global TV formats. The collaboration between these two industries represents a mutually beneficial opportunity to leverage their strengths in creative content production.
This interaction matters because it underscores the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international relations. By fostering ties through shared interests in entertainment, India and Israel can build deeper mutual understanding and friendship, which has both economic and diplomatic significance. PM Modi’s lighthearted yet meaningful engagement with the *Fauda* cast serves as a testament to this evolving relationship.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/26/2026