JERUSALEM (Feb 25, 2026) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a historic standing ovation in the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) today, as members broke into chants of his name during a landmark two-day state visit.
A “Wondrous Friendship”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an emotional welcome, describing PM Modi not just as a friend, but as “a brother.”
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Deepened Ties: Netanyahu noted that under their leadership, the two nations have doubled trade and tripled cooperation.
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Warm Welcome: Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana greeted the Indian PM in Hindi, saying, “Jerusalem me aapka swagat hai” (Welcome to Jerusalem).
High-Stakes Agenda
Beyond the ceremony, the visit focuses on critical strategic pillars:
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Trade: Discussions are underway for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), following the signing of a bilateral investment pact in late 2025.
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Defense & Tech: Strengthening the “Indian-Israeli alliance” through advanced defense cooperation and innovation in agriculture and water management.
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Diplomatic Alignment: PM Modi also held talks with President Isaac Herzog to align the “two resilient democracies” against shared global challenges.
Economic Outlook
With economic engagement at an all-time high, both nations are looking to expand beyond traditional defense deals into high-tech science, technology, and people-to-people exchanges. The Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as a reaffirmation of a “deep and long-standing strategic partnership.”
