Archive · 16 Aug 2026
India–Israel friendship shines bright as Jerusalem bridge glows in tricolour
In the city of Jerusalem, there is a famous bridge called the Chords Bridge.
For a special celebration, the bridge glowed in the colours of India's flag: saffron, white and green.
India was celebrating its 80th Independence Day, the day India remembers becoming a free country.
The Indian embassy in Israel shared pictures of the glowing bridge on a social media site called X. They said the bright bridge shows how strong the friendship between India and Israel is.
People from the Indian Jewish community, Indians living in Israel and friends of India joined the celebration.
For the first time, everyone sang Vande Mataram, India's national song, which is 150 years old.
The Indian ambassador raised the Indian flag to start the event.
It was a joyful day full of colours, music and friendship.
Jerusalem's Chords Bridge, also known as the Friendship Bridge, was illuminated in Indian tricolour colours to mark India's 80th Independence Day.
The Embassy of India in Israel shared the visuals on X, saying 'India–Israel friendship shines bright!'
The embassy held Independence Day celebrations attended by the Indian Jewish community, the Indian diaspora and friends of India.
For the first time during the occasion, the National Song, Vande Mataram, was sung, marking 150 years since its composition.
Ambassador JP Singh hoisted the Indian national flag, read the President of India's Independence Day Address and felicitated quiz and photography competition winners.
- Who
- The Embassy of India in Israel, led by Ambassador JP Singh, together with the Indian Jewish community, the Indian diaspora and friends of India.
- What
- Jerusalem's Chords Bridge was illuminated in Indian tricolour colours while the embassy held cultural celebrations for India's 80th Independence Day.
- When
- On the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day, on Saturday.
- Where
- Jerusalem, Israel, at the Chords Bridge (Friendship Bridge) and the Embassy of India in Israel.
- Why
- To celebrate India's 80th Independence Day and symbolise the friendship, shared values and hopes for a brighter future between India and Israel.
- Event
- India's 80th Independence Day
- Location
- Jerusalem, Israel
- Landmark
- Chords Bridge (Friendship Bridge)
- Illumination
- Indian tricolour - saffron, white and green
- Organizer
- Embassy of India in Israel
- Ambassador
- JP Singh
- Notable first
- Vande Mataram sung, marking 150 years since its composition
- Other activities
- Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, 'India Through My Lens' photography competition, dance performance by Indian Cultural Centre students