Jerusalem (TDI): Upon undertaking an official visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also became the first Indian premier to address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday, as tensions in the Middle East are an all time high.
In his speech, Modi hailed the “vital” ties between India and Israel, marked by mutual interests in security, technology and trade. Modi’s address received a standing ovation from Israel’s parliament.
Modi defined his visit as one rooted not just in politics but civilizational connection and friendship, conveying greetings from 1.4 billion Indians, and celebrating centuries-old cultural and people-to-people ties.
He signaled support for the UN-endorsed Gaza peace initiative, while also emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue and stability in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned the praise, describing Modi as “more than a friend, a brother.” Following the address, the Knesset conferred its highest parliamentary honor, the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, on Modi.
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Upon arrival in Israel, Modi wrote a message of gratitude in a post on social platform X: “I am extremely honored to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship.”
In the remaining part of his two-day visit, Modi will seek cooperation across defense, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, trade, and regional diplomacy.
The visit comes against the backdrop of US-Iran tensions, continued conflict in Gaza despite the ceasefire, and Israel’s latest unilateral policy measures which amount to the de facto annexation of the West Bank.
Modi last visited Israel in 2017, and ties since then have mostly remained steady; circling around India’s massive arms purchases from Israel.
The current visit is expected to open exports from Israel of previously restricted military hardware to India. Among the systems reportedly under discussion is Israel’s Iron Beam, a 100kW-class high-energy laser weapon inducted into the Israeli army in December 2025.
Cooperation on Israel’s famous Iron Dome missile defense technology transfer for local manufacturing inside India is also under consideration.
