The Prime Minister of Israel drew Modi's attention to the saffron color
of his wife’s dress while pointing to the saffron handkerchief in Modi’s
pocket; such is the camaraderie between them.
A memorable performance of the song “I Love My India” by a remarkable ensemble of Divyang artists, bringing together Indian-origin Jews and Israeli citizens.
The Israeli Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi traveled together from the airport, a rare gesture typically reserved for the most significant foreign heads of state. In fact, the Israeli Prime Minister accompanied Modi throughout nearly his entire stay. Furthermore, both the Prime Minister and his wife saw him off at the end of the visit, a level of hospitality seldom extended to visiting dignitaries. This underscores that Modi holds a special place in the eyes of Israel.
Prime Minister’s Addressed Israel Knesset on February 25, 2026. Before his address Modi was honoured with the Medal of the Knesset which Modi had accepted it with humility and gratitude and declared that this honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel and it also reflects the shared values that guide our two nations.
Modi addressing the Knesset on 26th February 2026
His address to the Israel’s Parliament was applauded by the assembled
MPs with standing ovations and their hurtful appreciations. The very fact that
many MPs were queuing up for selfies with Modi was a clear testimony for Modi’s
acceptance and popularity amongst them.
The visit was characterized by high-level diplomacy, the signing of 27
key outcomes, and a significant shift in the strategic depth of the
partnership. The most significant diplomatic outcome was the elevation of the
India-Israel relationship to a "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace,
Innovation, and Prosperity."
PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset
(Israeli Parliament).
His address itself was unique in many respect and was forceful and
faithful.
A brief summary of his speech is hereunder:
His opening remark in his speech was: Shalom! – meaning Peace!
q Modi said: After all, I was born on the same day
that India formally recognized Israel – September 17, 1950!
q I carry
with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and
for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by
Hamas on "October 7”.
q Terrorism
aims to destabilise societies, to block development, and to erode trust.
Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because
terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere.
q Some years ago, when you concluded the Abraham
Accords, we applauded your courage and vision. It was a moment of new hope for
a long-troubled region.
q The Gaza
Peace Initiative that was endorsed by the UN Security Council offers a pathway.
India has expressed its firm support for the initiative. We believe that it
holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region,
including by addressing the Palestine Issue.
q Let all
our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity. The road to peace is
not always easy. But India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and
stability in this region.
q Jewish
communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination.
They have preserved their faith and participated fully in society. That record
is a source of pride for us.
q Many
Indian Jews migrated to Israel in the mid twentieth century and these vibrant
Indian-origin Jewish community are proud to say that Israel is their fatherland and India their
motherland. We are proud of them.
q Major Thakur Dalpat Singh, remembered as the
Hero of Haifa, symbolises this shared history. During my last visit, I was
deeply moved to pay my respects at the Haifa memorial for Indian soldiers.
q The Kibbutz movement of Israel inspired our
leaders like Acharya Vinoba Bhave and Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan. First in my
home state Gujarat, and now across India, I have seen the approach of "Per
Drop, More Crop” work wonders in agriculture.
q The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor
and the I2U2 framework between India, Israel, UAE and the US. Defence and
Security is another important pillar of our partnership.
q Israel is often called the "start-up
nation”. I recall that in 2018, Prime
Minister Netanyahu and I inaugurated the iCreate Technology Business Incubator
in India. Since then, it has supported nearly 900 such start-ups.
q India is working with Israel on creating
cross-border financial linkages using our Digital Public Infrastructure.
q Judaism emphasises Halakha, guiding everyday
conduct through law and practice. Hindu philosophy speaks of Dharma, the moral
order that shapes duty and right action. In both traditions, ethical life is
lived through action, and faith is expressed through conduct.
q You celebrate Hanukkah with the warm glow of
candles and we celebrate Diwali, the
festival of lights. Similarly we celebrate
the festival of Holi and you celebrate Purim with enthusiasm and joy.
While Modi had started his speech with “Peace “, he ended with Am
Yisrael Chai meaning Long Live Israel.
In tribute to Prime Minister Modi, the Knesset is illuminated in the colors of the Indian flag. Grand and Great Gesture of Israel for Modi’s Historical Address in Israel’s Parliament.
Modi’s meeting with President Herzog. Modi said: Our talks were extremely fruitful and wide ranging. Modi had extended an invitation for Israeli President Isaac Herzog to visit India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli President Isaac Herzog planted a tree in the President's garden in Jerusalem as part of India's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" (One Tree for Mother) initiative.
Also visited the Hall of Names, a solemn space that preserves the memory
of those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust.
The Holocaust stands as one of humanity’s darkest chapters. It is an
eternal reminder of the need to uphold humanity, dignity and peace.
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