In an unprecedented gesture to welcome an incoming foreign diplomat, Israel’s Foreign Ministry hosted the world premiere of ‘The Diplomat’ on Tuesday evening. The film, starring John Abraham, is based on a real-life crisis that India’s newly appointed envoy to Israel, JP Singh, played a key role in resolving.
Prior to the screening at the Ministry’s auditorium, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with Ambassador JP Singh, extending his best wishes for a successful tenure. However, due to an urgent call from the Prime Minister’s office, Sa’ar was unable to attend the film’s screening.
The @IsraelMFA hosted a screening of the film ‘The Diplomat’ today in Jerusalem, as a special gesture to welcome Amb JP Singh.
FM @gidonsaar met Amb JP Singh prior to the event. The screening saw the presence of DG Eden Bar Tal, senior @IsraelMFA officials, diplomats & citizens pic.twitter.com/g8Eg8IVodT
— India in Israel (@indemtel) April 1, 2025
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, addressed the event through a recorded message, highlighting the significance of the film. He remarked that ‘The Diplomat’ offers a rare glimpse into an extraordinary diplomatic situation and serves as a reminder that diplomacy often requires thinking beyond standard procedures.
“I understand that The Diplomat is being screened in Israel for a select audience, including those from the diplomatic community. This film will naturally interest all those in our profession. It is a reminder that we need to think in our field that not every situation has an SOP. In fact, every day is a new day,” Jaishankar stressed, PTI reported.
“Now, I myself was involved in this matter and, to that extent, have an insider’s perspective. But I haven’t yet seen the film, so I hesitate to offer more comments. But I do commend its main character, who currently happens to be our envoy to Israel, Ambassador JP Singh,” the EAM added.
He also appreciated the “enthusiasm and commitment” of John Abraham for playing the lead role of Singh in the film. “But most of all, my best wishes to the diplomats the world over. We work every day, mostly behind the scenes. But an occasional insight into an unusual occurrence is always a welcome departure. I am confident that you all will enjoy the movie,” Jaishankar said.
Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Is Proud To Host This Film: Eden Bar Tal
Eden Bar Tal, Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Director General, while addressing the audience, highlighted the strategic importance of Israel’s relations with India, “a partnership between two ancient nations and people grounded in shared values, deep belief in moderation, and building a prosperous future through technological innovation.” “Today is another opportunity to engage in a meaningful event that demonstrates the special relationship between India and Israel,” he asserted,
He added that “the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is proud to host this inspiring and important film.” “It powerfully conveys the quiet heroism of diplomacy, which often takes place far from the headlines, yet has a decisive impact on peace, security, and human lives. The film shows how important diplomacy is in saving lives through peaceful means. An exceptionally important message for our times. Ambassador Singh brings great honour to the diplomatic profession as seen in the film,” Bar Tal noted.
Welcoming JP Singh to Israel, the Director-General of the Israeli Foreign Ministry praised his dedication to diplomacy, international collaboration, and fostering mutual understanding, calling it an inspiration to the profession. He also advocated for greater cooperation between the entertainment industries of both nations.
Having recently returned from his first “strategic visit” to India, where he engaged in productive discussions to further shared interests, Bar Tal highlighted what he called “India’s true secret”—its people. “The warmth, creativity, and hospitality I experienced there have left a lasting impression on me,” he remarked.
In a tweet, the Israeli Foreign Ministry described the event as a “powerful evening in Jerusalem” celebrating the strong ties between India and Israel. Nurit Tinari, Head of the Cultural Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflected on the impact of ‘The Diplomat’, saying, “After watching the film, I feel even prouder to be a diplomat. There are moments when one questions their career choices, but this film reaffirmed that I am on the right path.”
Singh also praised John Abraham’s performance in ‘The Diplomat’, acknowledging the actor’s keen interest in geopolitical affairs.
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