India working with Israel on creating cross-border financial linkages: PM Modi at Knesset

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the prestigious 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal'—the Israeli Parliament's top accolade—following his historic address on Wednesday. Modi becomes the first world leader to earn this distinction, recognizing his personal leadership in forging stronger strategic bonds between India and Israel. The award celebrates Modi's pivotal role in elevating bilateral relations, first upgraded to a strategic partnership during his groundbreaking 2017 visit—his initial trip as PM. This marks Modi's second visit in nine years, underscoring deepening collaboration amid shared global challenges. Adding to his diplomatic prestige, Modi joins an elite few honored by both sides of the Israel-Palestine divide: he received Palestine's highest foreign honor, the Grand Collar of the State, back in 2018.

After concluding his speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with members of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. Members took selfies and photographs with PM Modi.

In today's uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance, said PM Modi at Knesset (Israeli Parliament). 

Addressing the Israeli Parliament on Thursday (February 25), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "India supports Gaza peace initiative; it holds promise for a just and durable peace for the region."

Addressing the Israeli Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "It is a privilege and an honour for me to stand before this distinguished House. I do so as the Prime Minister of India and also 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."

"Prime Minister Jerusalem me aapka swagat hai, Knesset me aapka swagat hai (Welcome to Jerusalem, Welcome to Knesset)” Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said, welcoming PM Narendra Modi to the Israeli Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday held an "excellent" meeting during which they discussed a wide range of issues aimed at boosting bilateral ties and key developments in the region. Modi, who is visiting Israel for the second time in nine years, was received by Netanyahu and his wife Sara at the airport. The Prime Minister received a red-carpet welcome and a guard of honour at the Ben Gurion International Airport. The two leaders held a private meeting at the airport after the welcoming ceremony. "Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years," Modi said in a post on 'X'.

After meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a member of the Indian diaspora says, "I was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. I have been living here for the last 60 years. My father and grandfather lived in India...Jews did not face any problems in India...I was very happy to be here. PM Modi spoke to me in Gujarati and also asked me some questions. Thank you, Modi ji, for coming here."

PM Modi’s visit assumed greater significance as it is taking place amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including deteriorating ties between the US and Iran. There has been an upswing in India-Israel ties in the last few years, including in the areas of defence, scientific research, cybersecurity and innovation. The defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of the partnership between the two sides, with Israel supplying a plethora of military platforms and weapon systems to India.

"Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and more offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region," PM Modi posted on X. 

Israeli Prime Minister's Office on Wednesday stated that PM Benjamin Netanyahu and PM Narendra Modi's deep personal relationship influences the steady relations between both nations.This marks PM Modi's second visit to Israel following his 2017 trip, and Netanyahu's reciprocal visit to India."At the invitation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving today for another historic visit to Israel, following his previous visit to the country in 2017 and Prime Minister Netanyahu's reciprocal visit to India," a statement by Netanyahu's Office in a post on X said.

On the free trade agreement, Israel's Special Envoy Fleur Hassan-Nahoum said, "Of course, we're thrilled that a free trade agreement is being negotiated." "Israel has the highest concentration of AI talent in the world. We have leading AI technologies. AI is the future. And if India and Israel can actually ally, we can reshape or shape the future in the best possible way. We share values, we understand the values of family, and we understand the values of our faiths. And so I think that to leave the future of AI in the hands of India and Israel is a good thing."

On PM Modi's visit, Israel's Special Envoy Fleur Hassan-Nahoum said, "I think it's a very important visit at a very important time. Israel has just come out of a very brutal war that we didn't start, we didn't want...And unfortunately, there are still many bad players in the region. We see India as a very important partner in the future of economic development and in the future of stabilisation for the region."

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu responds to PM Narendra Modi's tweet, "It’s a great honor to welcome you to Israel, Prime Minister Modi."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara Netanyahu, welcomed PM Modi at the airport PM Netanyahu points out the matching colour of the pocket square of PM Modi and the outfit of Sara Netanyahu. 

PM Modi said, "Saffron." During their interaction with PM Modi, speaking about India, Sara Netanyahu says, "Wonderful country." PM Netanyahu joins in, saying, "He is a wonderful leader" as he speaks about PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is presently meeting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. He (Modi) will depart from Tel Aviv for Jerusalem after this relevant meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (February 25) arrived in Tel Aviv for a two-day state visit to Israel at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, aimed at further strengthening the "robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership" between the two nations.On arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Modi received a Guard of Honour. Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife Sara Netanyahu, personally welcomed the Prime Minister, reflecting the close personal rapport shared by the two leaders. The two Prime Ministers exchanged a warm hug upon arrival.

Relations elevate to "special strategic partnership" like US/Germany levels, enabling joint advanced defense development and mutual crisis support. Expect MoUs Thursday, including a secrecy mechanism unlocking new categories, plus high-level AI, quantum and cybersecurity cooperation. Netanyahu praises India as a "gigantic global power," with opposition echoing India as a vital ally despite domestic politics.

The two leaders (PM Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu) will sign a series of agreements between Israel and India in economic, security and diplomatic fields, which will boost cooperation between the two nations.

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PM Modi shares candid moment with Isreali Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara while they came at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv to welcome Indian PM. 

Israeli outlets like The Jerusalem Post hail Modi's trip as a "strategic reset" and "landmark," spotlighting the leaders' "personal chemistry"—from their viral 2017 barefoot beach walk to Netanyahu's X video "A Look Back." Coverage emphasizes India's pillar in Netanyahu's "hexagon of alliances," FTA/IMEC progress, and defense shifts to joint production amid unified bipartisan support for India.

PM Narendra Modi lands in Israel At the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Modi is undertaking a state visit to Israel from February 25-26, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make history during his February 25-26 state visit to Israel by becoming the first Indian leader to address the Knesset. Invited by Benjamin Netanyahu, he'll discuss boosting ties in defense, AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity, while signing MoUs for joint advanced systems and a "special strategic partnership." 

Jerusalem buzzes with tricolours on shopfronts, Hindi chatter in streets, and warm "namaste" greetings for Indians ahead of PM Modi's second visit. Diaspora members like Laxmi Narayana from Hyderabad call it an "auspicious moment," rekindling 2017 memories when Modi first visited. Community leaders coordinate welcomes, beaming with pride over strengthened India-Israel bonds.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make history during his February 25-26 state visit to Israel by becoming the first Indian leader to address the Knesset. Invited by Benjamin Netanyahu, he'll discuss boosting ties in defense, AI, quantum computing and cybersecurity, while signing MoUs for joint advanced systems and a "special strategic partnership." This upgrade formalizes decades of reliable collaboration proven in crises, with Modi arriving on Wednesday (February 25) for diaspora meets, a tech exhibition and Thursday's Holocaust tribute at Yad Vashem.