Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit to Israel received a standing ovation in the Parliament amid chants of 'Modi, Modi'. The members of the Israeli Parliament greeted him with applause.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while welcoming Prime Minister Modi to Knesset said he is more than a friend and like a brother.
VIDEO | Jerusalem: 'Modi-Modi' chant welcomes the Prime Minister at Knesset. He is set to address the Israeli Parliament shortly.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 25, 2026
(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/BpUAXhRYTi
"I have to tell you, Narendra, my dear friend, I am deeply moved by your visit here today... I've never been more moved and by your visit here with us, a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance," said Prime Minister Netanyahu at the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset.
He further added that India and Israel have doubled trade, tripled cooperation and quadrupled understandings. He even called the partnership a 'wondrous friendship.'
Showing a similar entusiasm Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said, "Mr. Prime Minister Jerusalem me aapka swagat hai, Knesset me aapka swagat hai (Welcome to Jerusalem, Welcome to Knesset)”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed Israel's Parliament after paying his respects at the Knesset memorial and inscribing his thoughts in the guest book. Modi becomes the first Indian PM to have this honour. Upon his arrival at Knesset, Modi receives a standing ovation.
"I bring with me the greetings from 1.4 billion Indians. I am very happy to be here again. I carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack on October 7. We feel your pain. India stands with Israel with full conviction at this moment and beyond," said Modi.
Modi further said that no cause can justify the murder of civilians. "Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time."
"We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. We have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards," added the Prime Minister.
Modi during his visit is looking to strengthen bilateral ties, including defence and trade cooperation. Modi's visit includes wide-ranging talks with his counterpart Netanyahu and a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Economic engagement will also reportedly be high on the agenda. During Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Israel in November 2025, the terms of reference for launching negotiations on a free trade agreement were signed. In September 2025, the two countries concluded a bilateral investment agreement aimed at expanding economic ties. Further cooperation is expected to be discussed across sectors such as science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, trade and people-to-people exchanges, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
