Historic Modi Knesset Address Strengthens India-Israel Partnership
Jerusalem, February 25, 2026 | Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the historic Modi Knesset Address today, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to speak before Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset. The landmark speech took place during his two-day state visit to Israel and marked a new chapter in India-Israel relations.
The special plenary session reflected growing strategic, political, and technological cooperation between India and Israel. It also highlighted shared democratic values, strong counter-terrorism commitments, and expanding economic ties.
Members of Parliament welcomed Modi with standing ovations and chants of support. Cultural performances added ceremonial warmth to the historic occasion. The visit reaffirmed India’s rising diplomatic influence in West Asia and beyond.
Ceremonial Welcome and Parliamentary Honour
The Knesset session opened with a grand ceremonial reception. Lawmakers welcomed Modi with enthusiasm, reflecting the warmth of bilateral relations. At the conclusion of his speech, the House offered a prolonged standing ovation.
During the session, Modi received the prestigious Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the highest parliamentary honour. Notably, this was the first time the medal was awarded to any foreign leader. The honour recognised his personal role in strengthening India-Israel ties since the strategic partnership was formalised in 2017.
The ceremony underlined the importance Israel places on its relationship with India. It also symbolised mutual respect between two democratic nations with deep historical links.
Amir Ohana’s Welcome Highlights Shared History
Tribute to India’s Democratic Legacy
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana opened the proceedings by praising Modi’s leadership and vision. He described him as a defining statesman of the modern era.
Ohana welcomed Modi with traditional greetings and acknowledged India’s democratic strength. He emphasised how leadership, in Modi’s case, meant inspiring a nation rather than merely governing it.
Emphasis on Cultural and Security Bonds
The Speaker recalled the 2,000-year-old Jewish presence in India and highlighted the peaceful coexistence enjoyed by Jewish communities there. He also acknowledged their contribution to Israeli society.
On security matters, Ohana stressed the shared fight against terrorism. He referred to India’s support after the October 2023 attacks by Hamas and Israel’s solidarity after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He underlined that both nations remained committed to defeating extremism.
Netanyahu Praises Modi-Netanyahu Friendship
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu followed with an emotional address, calling Modi a close friend and trusted partner. He described the visit as deeply moving for Israel.
Netanyahu highlighted the famous “Modi Hug” as a symbol of genuine warmth between the two leaders. He extended this symbolic gesture to all Members of Parliament.
He described India as a global powerhouse and Israel as a nation strong in innovation and resilience. According to him, their partnership acted as a multiplier of strengths. He also thanked Modi for standing firmly with Israel after the October 2023 attacks.
Modi Knesset Address Reflects Civilisational Connect
Ancient Roots and Personal Reflections
In his opening remarks, Modi expressed gratitude for the honour. He described himself as a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another.
He recalled that he was born on September 17, 1950, the same day India formally recognised Israel. He also referred to his 2006 visit as Gujarat Chief Minister and the historic 2017 visit as Prime Minister.
Modi highlighted how Jewish communities in India lived without fear or discrimination. He said their integration reflected India’s inclusive ethos.
Defence and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
Addressing security cooperation, Modi emphasised that strong defence partnerships were essential in today’s uncertain world. He noted that India remained one of Israel’s major defence partners.
Referring to terrorism, he expressed solidarity with Israeli victims of October 2023. He stated that terrorism anywhere threatened peace everywhere. He reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy and rejection of double standards.
He also recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which claimed Israeli lives, to underline shared suffering and resolve.
Support for Peace and Regional Stability
During the Modi Knesset Address, the Prime Minister also addressed the Gaza conflict and peace efforts. He expressed India’s support for the US-led peace initiative announced in September 2025.
Modi said India believed in dialogue, wisdom, and humanitarian values. He stressed that lasting peace must address Palestinian aspirations while ensuring Israel’s security.
India’s balanced approach, he noted, aimed to promote regional stability without undermining long-standing partnerships in West Asia.
Economic and Technological Cooperation Outlook
Expanding Trade and Investment
Modi highlighted India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. He expressed confidence that India would soon rank among the top three global economies.
He committed to expanding bilateral trade, strengthening investment flows, and promoting joint infrastructure projects. He referred to the Bilateral Investment Treaty signed last year and ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
Innovation and Emerging Technologies
The Prime Minister emphasised cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, agriculture, and water management. He said these sectors held vast untapped potential.
Israel’s innovation ecosystem and India’s scale, he noted, created natural synergies. Therefore, deeper collaboration would benefit both economies and societies.
Broad Political Support Across Israeli Spectrum
The address received wide appreciation across political lines. Leaders from ruling and opposition parties joined in applauding Modi’s speech.
Even senior figures such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich publicly praised the address. This reflected rare political consensus on the importance of India-Israel relations.
The unified response highlighted how deeply bilateral ties have matured over the past decade.
Strategic Significance for India and Israel
The Knesset address concluded a series of high-level engagements, including bilateral meetings and sectoral discussions on defence, AI, agri-tech, and trade.
For Israel, the visit reinforced its partnership with a major global power. For India, it strengthened its diplomatic footprint in West Asia and the Mediterranean region.
Notably, this was Modi’s 19th address to a foreign parliament. It demonstrated India’s growing influence and leadership in global affairs.
A Defining Moment in Bilateral Relations
The Modi Knesset Address stands as a defining milestone in India-Israel relations. It celebrated centuries-old cultural links while charting a forward-looking strategic roadmap.
With new MoUs, trade targets, and technology partnerships expected to follow, both nations appear poised for deeper engagement. As Netanyahu observed, the partnership multiplies strengths in uncertain times.
The historic session not only honoured past achievements but also set the stage for an ambitious and resilient future between two democratic partners.
