Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing in Knesset Parliment. (ScreenGrab) PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit Live Updates: India and Israel Thursday elevated their “time-tested” relationship to a special strategic partnership and agreed to finalise up a mutually beneficial free trade agreement even as PM Narendra Modi strongly backed the Gaza peace initiative, asserting that humanity must never become a victim of conflict. Following talks between Modi and his Israeli counterpart, the two sides inked a plethora of agreements to expand cooperation in areas of trade, agriculture, energy, cyberspace and digital payment.
Meeting with the Prez: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli President Isaac Herzog Thursday held “extremely fruitful and wide-ranging talks” during which they explored avenues to enhance cooperation in education, start-ups, innovation, tech and connectivity. PM Modi called on Herzog at his official residence, where the two leaders first planted an oak tree together in the garden “as a symbol of friendship, growth, and the building of a shared future between the two countries”, a press release from the Presidency said.
Modi speaks in Knesset: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Israeli Parliament, the Knesset on Wednesday, where he described the Gaza Peace Initiative as a path for “just and durable peace” in the entire region even as he delivered a powerful message of solidarity to Israel, asserting that “terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere”. PM Modi was also conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel. He is the first Indian to speak in Knesset.
India and Israel elevated their ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership” and signed 17 pacts after talks Thursday between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu, wrapping up what the Israeli Prime Minister called an “extraordinarily productive and extraordinarily moving” visit by the Indian PM.
Read our full report on India & Israel's elevated ties.
Following talks between PM Modi and his Israeli counterpart, the two sides inked a plethora of agreements to expand cooperation, some of which (according to the foreign ministry statement) are:
- They will cooperate in the field of "horizon scanning", which would "enhance India's strategic capabilities." This would help strengthen strategic foresight, risk assessment, and technology planning through joint research, capacity building and AI-driven tools, it said.
- Israel would allow 50,000 additional Indian workers into the country over the next five years, especially in manufacturing sectors.
- PM Modi said India would continue to consult, and cooperate with all partners on establishing peace in West Asia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday held "extremely fruitful" and wide-ranging talks during which they explored avenues to further enhance cooperation in education, start-ups, innovation, tech and connectivity.
Modi called on Herzog at his official residence, where the two leaders first planted an oak tree together in the garden "as a symbol of friendship, growth, and the building of a shared future between the two countries", a press release from the Presidency said.
PTI
India and Israel are completely clear that there is no place for terrorism in the world, said PM Modi, adding that India and Israel stood shoulder-to-shoulder in opposing terrorism and its supporters, and will continue to do so.
India and Israel will soon give final shape to a mutually beneficial free trade agreement, said PM Modi talks talks with Netanyahu. India-Israel relationship is founded on strong bedrock of deep trust, shared democratic values, and human sensitivities, he added.
India and Israel have inked several pacts to expand ties in a range of areas including innovation & agriculture after talks between Modi and Netanyahu, news agency PTI reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited Yad Vashem memorial here and paid tributes to the victims of the Holocaust. PM Modi was accompanied by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
At the start of the visit, the two leaders toured the Hall of Names, during which Netanyahu showed Modi the names of his wife Sara's relatives who perished in the Holocaust.
Following the tour, a memorial ceremony was held, in which Prime Minister Modi laid a wreath and placed a stone to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust.
"Honouring the memory of victims of the Holocaust and renewing our shared commitment to uphold peace and human dignity. PM @narendramodi visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
Modi laid a wreath and paid homage to the victims of the Holocaust. He also visited the poignant Book of Names Hall, a powerful tribute preserving the memory of millions who perished during the holocaust.
"The memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the brutality of the past and our collective resolve to stand against injustice and create a better world," Jaiswal said. This was the second visit of Prime Minister Modi to Yad Vashem.
Established in 1953 by an act of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), Yad Vashem is entrusted with Holocaust commemoration, documentation, research and education. Â Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday on a two-day visit to the country. It is his second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during his first visit to that country in July 2017.
PTI
On PM Narendra Modi's visit to Israel, Israel's Consul General Yaniv Revach said, "There is a very special relation between Israel and India as a global superpower. Moreover, there is a special relationship between our two Prime Ministers... Prime Minister Netanyahu wore an Indian attire to welcome Prime Minister Modi and this is a form of respect. There is a very big Jewish community in India and they have never been treated differently. They have never faced anti-semitism in India. The bilateral meeting between the two Prime Ministers will cover all aspects- AI, technology, agriculture, water, and the peak is the defence cooperation between the two states. It was the first time that an Indian Prime Minister addressed the Israeli Parliament. He received a warm round of applause. Prime Minister Modi and India stood by Israel in very difficult times and Israel stood with India in your difficult times.."
VIDEO | Mumbai: On PM Narendra Modi's visit to Israel, Israel's Consul General Yaniv Revach says, "There is a very special relation between Israel and India as a global superpower. Moreover, there is a special relationship between our two Prime Ministers... Prime Minister… pic.twitter.com/7JdDqaoJM0
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 26, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to X to share a video of him wearing a traditional Indian attire. He said he wanted to "surprise" his friend PM Modi.
Netanyahu was seen wearing a Nehru Jacket over a shirt, paired with a pair of jeans.
He took to X, sharing the video and said, "Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire."
हमारे संयुक्त रात्रिभोज से पहले, मैंने अपने मित्र प्रधानमंत्री मोदी को पारंपरिक भारतीय परिधान पहनकर चौंका दिया। 🇮🇱🇮🇳@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/3ElIQeLY97
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 25, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday shared glimpses of the exhibition he attended with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged Israeli companies to invest in India and work with our talented youth.
"Yesterday in Jerusalem, PM Netanyahu and I visited an exhibition which showcased special innovations from the world of technology. Got a glimpse of pioneering work by Israeli youth in areas such as AI, Quantum, healthcare, cyber security, water resources, agriculture and more. Urged Israeli companies to invest in India and work with our talented youth," he wrote in a post on X.
Yesterday in Jerusalem, PM Netanyahu and I visited an exhibition which showcased special innovations from the world of technology. Got a glimpse of pioneering work by Israeli youth in areas such as AI, Quantum, healthcare, cyber security, water resources, agriculture and more.… pic.twitter.com/xNdJxcGKS2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2026
In a significant formulation before Israeli parliamentarians in the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday backed the Gaza peace initiative, saying it holds the promise of a “just and durable peace” for all people of the region, including by “addressing the Palestine issue”.
His remarks are significant given that a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is holding in Gaza after two years of intense fighting.
Becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset, hours after he was received by counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara at the Ben Gurion international airport in Tel Aviv, Modi mentioned the Palestine issue before Israel’s political leadership seated across the aisle.
Reacting to PM Modi's address to the Knesset on Wednesday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh ridiculed him for saying that "India recognised the new state of Israel on the day he (PM Modi) was born.
"Actually, Albert Einstein had written to Jawaharlal Nehru on June 13, 1947, on the subject of the creation of Israel. Here is Nehru’s reply to Einstein a month later. On Nov 5, 1949, the two had met at Einstein’s home in Princeton. In Nov 1952, Einstein was offered the Presidency of Israel which he declined. And a short while before he passed away in April 1955, Einstein and Nehru had exchanged letters on the issue of nuclear explosions and weapons," he wrote in a post on X.
In his address to the Knesset yesterday - which was an unabashed defence of his host - Prime Minister Modi drew attention to the fact that India recognised the new state of Israel on the day he was born.
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 26, 2026
Actually, Albert Einstein had written to Jawaharlal Nehru on June 13, 1947,… pic.twitter.com/TTtkUgJVMF
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Thursday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "courageous words" delivered in the Israeli Knesset (parliament), emphasising that it translates "diplomatic milestones into deep academic collaborations." "Thank you, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, for the warm and courageous words you delivered this evening from the podium of the Knesset", the Israeli university said.
Re-iterating India's uncompromising policy of "zero tolerance" against terrorism, Modi, amid a standing ovation from Israeli lawmakers, said, "We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment, and beyond." "No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism," he added.
Last week, the Hebrew University signed an MoU with Nalanda University. A delegation led by Prof Guy Harpaz, the Vice President of Hebrew University for International Affairs, visited India to strengthen academic ties with institutions across the country.
"The deep partnership between our nations is also reflected in the academic sphere," the university stated.
-PTI
Union Minister Amit Shah Wednesday said that the conferment of the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' on Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Israel highlights his statesmanship, which is fostering connections between nations for mutual empowerment and advancing the welfare of humanity.
Taking to X, Shah congratulated PM Modi on being honoured with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal by the State of Israel.
"It is a moment of immense pride for every Indian, as it exemplifies our PM's statesmanship that is shaping bridges between nations for mutual empowerment to advance the cause of humankind for the welfare of all," Shah said.
Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal' on Wednesday in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel.
He is the first leader to receive this medal, which is the highest honour of the Knesset - the Israeli Parliament.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was awarded the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ by Amir Ohana, recognising his role in strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel. He is the first leader to receive this top parliamentary honour.
Modi has also been awarded the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine.
Speaking on shared philosophies, Narendra Modi at Knesset Parliament stated that Israel’s principle of Tikkun Olam, which emphasises healing the world, resonates with India’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the belief that the world is one family.
Addressing the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s long-standing tradition of inclusivity, stating that Jewish communities have lived in the country without fear of persecution or discrimination, while preserving their faith and contributing fully to society.
Highlityghtingthe growing partnership between India and Israel, he added that in an increasingly uncertain global landscape, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like the two nations is of critical importance.
Addressing the Knesset, Narendra Modi stressed on the growing importance of strategic cooperation between India and Israel, stating that, “In today’s uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance”.
"The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region", stated Prime Minister Modi in the Knesset Parliament address.
While speaking in his address, Prime Minister Modi in tyhe Knesset Parliament said, "India supports Gaza peace initiative; it holds promise for a just and durable peace for the region".
Addressing the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned terrorism, saying that no cause can ever justify the murder of innocent civilians. Stressing on India’s firm stand against terrorism in all its forms, he stated that violence against civilians is unacceptable under any circumstances and called for a united global effort to combat the menace.
In his address to the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “India stands with Israel against the Hamas attack. India too has faced terrorism.” Modi arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday afternoon for a two-day state visit aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Addressing him as a close friend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep emotion over PM Narendra Modi’s visit, saying he was truly moved to receive him in Jerusalem and greeted the Indian leader along with his delegation. “Narendra, my dear friend, I am deeply, deeply moved by your visit here today.. Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, PM Narendra Modi and your distinguished delegation,” said Israel PM Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, where he is set to deliver an address.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the Knesset shortly.
The Indian National Anthem was played to welcome PM Narendra Modi upon his arrival in Tel Aviv.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Israel: Indian National Anthem is played to welcome PM Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) upon his arrival in Tel Aviv.#israel #pmmodi
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 25, 2026
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/wKvIRIBM6p
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received by Israel PM Netanyahu and his wife Sara at the Tel Aviv airport on Wednesday afternoon. The two leaders hugged each other and exchanged pleasantries. PM Modi was given a ceremonial red carpet welcome.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Tel Aviv on Wednesday afternoon for Israel visit to boost bilateral ties. He today began a two-day State visit to Israel, marking his second trip to the country. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu will take stock of the progress achieved under the India-Israel Strategic Partnership.
Just before his visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded on X to a post by Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, saying he looks forward to travelling to Israel. "I am confident that my visit will further strengthen the bilateral relations between our two countries," says PM Modi.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js1. אני גם מצפה לביקורי בישראל. אני בטוח שביקורי יחזק עוד יותר את היחסים הדו־צדדיים בין מדינותינו. https://t.co/VWMTzd0rWV
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Tel Aviv on a two-day state visit on Wednesday (February 25) as the prospect of a potential US-Iran conflict roils West Asia. This is not only Modi’s first visit to the country after the war in Gaza began in October 2023, it is also his first since 2017.
While India had strongly criticised the October 7 attack by Hamas that had triggered the devastating war in Gaza, it has also maintained its position on a two-state solution for Palestine.
New Delhi has consistently sought to de-hyphenate its ties with Israel and Palestine..... Continue reading
Israeli media are hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel as a strategic reset and a defining moment in bilateral relations. The trip is expected to strengthen ties into a “special strategic partnership,” with greater cooperation in defence, AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
The visit has generated widespread enthusiasm in Jerusalem, with symbolic gestures such as Indian flags and a public reception. Both the government and the opposition in Israel view India as a key ally. (PTI)
The Knesset Parliament was lit up in the colours of the Indian flag on Wednesday as a tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Speaker Amir Ohana said in a post on X. The gesture coincided with Modi’s arrival in Israel for a two-day state visit and his second trip to the country, showing the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsIn tribute to Prime Minister @narendramodi, the Knesset is illuminated tonight in the colors of the Indian flag 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/YxWswwOX69
— Amir Ohana - אמיר אוחנה (@AmirOhana) February 24, 2026
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