Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing reception at Israel’s Parliament on Wednesday (February 25, 2026), as he became the first Indian PM to deliver a speech in Knesset. He gave a powerful address at the Knesset that blended civilisational pride, solidarity against terrorism and a renewed push for deeper strategic cooperation.
On his second visit to Israel in nine years, the last being in 2017, PM Modi was welcomed with chants of “Modi, Modi” and a standing ovation, before becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to receive the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the legislature’s highest honour. The medal was conferred in recognition of PM’s exceptional contribution to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel.
PM Modi Knesset speech: A historic address in Israeli Parliament
Opening his speech, Prime Minister Modi described it as a privilege to stand before the Knesset “as a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another.” “I bring with me the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership,” he said.
In a symbolic personal reflection, Modi noted that he was born on September 17, 1950 – the very day India formally recognised Israel, adding that he always felt drawn to the country. His return to Jerusalem comes nearly a decade after his landmark 2017 visit, when bilateral ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership.
Underlining how India and Israel are both ancient civilisations, PM Modi drew philosophical parallels by linking Israel’s principle of Tikkun Olam, which speaks of healing the world, with India’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. which affirms that the world is one family. “Both ideas extend responsibility beyond immediate boundaries.”
A strong message on terrorism
A central theme of Modi’s speech was terrorism and global security. He conveyed India’s “deepest condolences” for lives lost in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, saying, “No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism.”
Modi stressed that India shares Israel’s pain, recalling the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in which Israeli citizens were also killed. “Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, with no double standards,” he said. Calling for sustained global cooperation, he warned, “Terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere.”
The remarks come amid ongoing regional instability in West Asia, underlining India’s firm stand against extremism while advocating durable peace and regional stability.
Netanyahu’s emotional welcome: More than a friend, a brother
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered an effusive welcome, describing PM Modi as “a great friend of Israel”, “a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance”, “a great leader on the world stage”. He stated, “I would almost venture to say, more than a friend — a brother.”
Recalling their famous barefoot walk along the Mediterranean during PM Modi’s 2017 visit, Netanyahu said the two leaders had since “performed miracles” by doubling bilateral trade, tripling cooperation, quadrupling mutual understanding.
Israel’s Speaker of the Knesset Medal: A rare honour
Following his address, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana conferred upon Modi the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, recognising his “exceptional contribution” to advancing India–Israel strategic relations. Modi is among a select group of world leaders to receive such high honours from Israel’s Parliament.
Notably, he is also one of the few global leaders to have received top civilian honours from both Israel and Palestine, having been awarded the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine in 2018.
From defence to innovation: Growing India-Israel ties
India-Israel relations have expanded significantly since 2017, covering defence and security cooperation, counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing, agriculture and water management, high-technology and innovation, trade and investment.
In his Knesset address, the prime minister also pointed out that India has been the fastest-growing major economy in the world while Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership. “This creates a natural foundation for a forward-looking partnership.”
“We are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows, and promoting joint infrastructure development. The Bilateral Investment Treaty signed last year will provide confidence and predictability to our businesses,” he noted.
Modi’s address to the Knesset, marked by applause, emotional tributes and strategic messaging, reflected the maturity of India–Israel ties. By invoking shared civilisational roots, condemning terrorism unequivocally and reaffirming strategic cooperation, the visit reinforced a relationship that has evolved from cautious engagement to open, high-level partnership.