Jerusalem, February 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history by addressing the Knesset during his two-day visit to Israel. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to deliver a speech in the Israeli Parliament.
Upon his arrival, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana warmly welcomed PM Modi and presented him with formal honors. Prior to Modi’s address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, opposition leader Yair Lapid, and Speaker Ohana spoke to the assembly, expressing strong bipartisan support for India-Israel relations.
Modi began his speech by thanking the Speaker for the special honor and expressed gratitude for receiving the ‘Speaker of the Knesset’ medal, which he dedicated to the enduring friendship and shared democratic traditions of both nations.
Highlighting the robust friendship between India and Israel, Modi emphasized the ancient civilizational ties and the contemporary strong partnership based on technology, innovation, defense, security, and strategic similarities. He noted that collaboration in agriculture, rural development, water management, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship has energized bilateral relations. Modi acknowledged the contributions of the Indian community in Israel and the Jewish diaspora in India to the progress of both countries.
Recalling both nations’ zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, Modi expressed condolences for the terrorist attacks on October 7, stating that such brutality is unjustifiable. He reiterated India’s support for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the region, mentioning India’s firm backing for the Gaza peace initiative approved by the United Nations Security Council. Modi called for deeper engagement in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the I2U2 framework, highlighting ongoing cooperation between India and Israel on multilateral platforms.
The Prime Minister underscored India’s development narrative and stressed the need for increased bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure development, green growth, startups, digital solutions, and emerging technologies to enhance the innovative capacity and creativity of the youth. He expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the bilateral investment treaty and urged for a swift finalization of an ambitious free trade agreement to unlock untapped trade potential.
Taking advantage of the recently formed parliamentary friendship group for Israel in India, Modi encouraged the enhancement of parliamentary dialogue between the two vibrant democracies. He pointed out the shared values between the two civilizations, referencing India’s “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) and Israel’s “Tikkun Olam” (repairing the world) as reflections of a common vision for a harmonious society. Modi thanked the Knesset members for their contributions to India-Israel relations and extended best wishes for the upcoming Purim festival.
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