Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a landmark address to a special plenary session of Israel’s Knesset today, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to speak from the podium of the Israeli parliament.
The packed chamber erupted in thunderous applause and a standing ovation as Modi entered, with Israeli lawmakers chanting “Modi! Modi!” He was also conferred the prestigious **Speaker of the Knesset Medal** — the highest parliamentary honour — which he dedicated to the enduring friendship and shared democratic values of the two nations.
“We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond,” Modi declared, extending India’s deepest condolences for every life lost in the barbaric Hamas terrorist attack of October 7.
“No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism,” he added, drawing parallels with India’s own long battle against terror, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in which Israeli citizens were also killed. He reiterated India’s uncompromising “zero tolerance” policy with “no double standards” and backed the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council as a pathway to just and durable peace that also addresses the Palestine issue.
Personal & Civilizational Connection
Modi opened on a deeply personal note: “I was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel — September 17, 1950!” He described returning to a land he has always felt drawn to, nine years after becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel.
He traced over 2,000 years of unbroken bonds — from references in the Book of Esther and Talmud to ancient Jewish merchants who found dignity and opportunity in India. Modi proudly listed the contributions of India’s Jewish communities (Bene Israel of Maharashtra, Cochini Jews of Kerala, Baghdadi Jews, and Bnei Menashe of the North-East) and iconic figures such as Lt Gen J.F.R. Jacob, filmmaker Edwyn Myers, Dr Reuben David, and actor David Abraham.
He also remembered the 4,000+ Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the region during World War I, especially the heroic cavalry charge at Haifa in 1918 led by Major Thakur Dalpat Singh. Modi paid emotional tribute to the Maharaja of Nawanagar (Jam Saheb) who sheltered Jewish and Polish children during the Holocaust, noting the recent unveiling of his statue in Israel.
A Vibrant Modern Partnership
Modi highlighted the elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2017 and the signing of a new Defence Cooperation MoU last November. He announced teams are working on an ambitious Free Trade Agreement, praised the Bilateral Investment Treaty signed last year, and committed to deeper collaboration through the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 grouping.
He spotlighted Israel’s “start-up nation” spirit aligning perfectly with India’s fast-growing economy and youth innovation, citing joint work in quantum technologies, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, precision irrigation (43 Centres of Excellence already benefiting over half a million Indian farmers — target: 100), and cross-border digital public infrastructure.
People-to-People & Philosophical Ties
Modi noted the explosion of Yoga centres across Israel, growing interest in Ayurveda, and the dedication of Indian caregivers who showed courage on October 7. He invited more young Israelis to visit India for holistic wellness.
He drew elegant philosophical parallels: Jewish **Tikkun Olam** (“healing the world”) and Indian **Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam** (“the world is one family”); Halakha and Dharma; and the shared joy of light-filled festivals — Hanukkah and Diwali, Purim and Holi.
The Prime Minister concluded with the powerful words:
“Am Yisrael Chai. Jai Hind.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid warmly welcomed the address, underscoring strong bipartisan support. The Knesset was specially lit in Indian tricolour colours for the occasion — a historic first.
This address marks the high point of Modi’s two-day visit focused on elevating the multifaceted India-Israel partnership established since full diplomatic relations in 1992. From defence and counter-terrorism to water management, innovation and trade, the relationship is set for a significant leap forward.
