Prime Minister Narendra Modi Addresses Knesset, Calls for Deeper India-Israel Strategic Partnership.
Jerusalem:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed a Special Plenary session of the Knesset in Jerusalem, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to speak before the Israeli Parliament.
Upon his arrival at the Knesset, the Prime Minister was received by Speaker H.E. Amir Ohana and accorded a ceremonial welcome. The Prime Minister of Israel, H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu, Leader of the Opposition H.E. Yair Lapid, and Speaker Ohana addressed the plenary ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s speech, expressing strong bipartisan support for deepening India-Israel ties.
Ancient Ties, Modern Partnership
In his address, Prime Minister Modi thanked the Speaker for the special honour and highlighted the enduring friendship between India and Israel, rooted in ancient civilizational links and strengthened by a dynamic contemporary partnership. He underlined cooperation in technology, innovation, defence, security and strategic areas as pillars of the bilateral relationship.
Emphasizing vibrant people-to-people connections, the Prime Minister noted that collaboration in agriculture, rural development, water management, sustainability and enterprise has added new dynamism to ties. He also referred to the historic two-way movement of people, acknowledging the contributions of the Indian community in Israel and the Jewish diaspora in India to the progress of both nations.
Firm Stand Against Terrorism, Support for Peace
Reaffirming the shared policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, the Prime Minister offered condolences for the October 7 terror attack and stated that there can be no justification for such brutality. He reiterated India’s support for efforts aimed at ensuring durable peace and stability in the region.
In this context, he highlighted India’s firm backing of the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. He also called for enhanced cooperation under plurilateral frameworks such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 grouping.
Expanding Economic and Strategic Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi showcased India’s growth trajectory and invited greater bilateral collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure, green growth, start-ups, digital solutions and emerging technologies. He expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the Bilateral Investment Treaty and called for the early finalisation of an ambitious Free Trade Agreement to unlock untapped trade potential.
He also advocated stronger parliamentary exchanges between the two democracies, noting the formation of a Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel in India as a positive step forward.
Shared Civilizational Ethos
Drawing philosophical parallels, the Prime Minister observed that India’s concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family” — resonates with the Israeli principle of Tikkun Olam, or “healing the world,” reflecting shared aspirations for a harmonious global order.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his best wishes to the people of Israel for the upcoming festival of Purim and thanked members of the Knesset for their contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.
Following the address, Speaker Amir Ohana bestowed upon the Prime Minister the “Medal of the Knesset.” Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to the enduring friendship between India and Israel, reaffirming the shared commitment to a stronger and more comprehensive partnership.
