New Delhi, India –In both English and Hebrew on Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent well wishes and a happy Hanukah via Twitter “Wishing my Jewish friends a Happy Hanukkah! May this Festival of Lights and the festive season ring in peace, hope and well-being for all,” read the tweet at his official account @Narendra Modi.

The relationship between Israel and India has grown considerably since Modi became Prime Minister in May. A series of defense and technology deals have been signed between the two, and in October, India closed a $520 million deal to buy Israeli anti-tank missiles.

The start of the relationship with Israel dates back to 2006, when Modi was chief minister of Gujarat and visited the Israel to explore new ideas in irrigation.