Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday jointly visited a technology and innovation exhibition in Israel, shortly after PM Modi addressed a Special Plenary of the Knesset in Jerusalem.
“After my Knesset address, PM Netanyahu and I are on the way to an exhibition which showcases strides made in the world of technology,” PM Modi posted on X, underscoring the growing collaboration in innovation and high-tech sectors between the two nations.
Earlier, he described it as an honour to address the Knesset and interact with its distinguished members, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship and goodwill shared by the people of India and Israel.
First Indian PM to Address Knesset, Conferred Top Honour
PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament. On arrival, he was received by Speaker Amir Ohana and accorded a ceremonial welcome.
Ahead of his speech, PM Netanyahu, Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid, and Speaker Ohana expressed bipartisan support for strengthening India–Israel relations.
In a historic gesture, the Knesset conferred the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” — its highest parliamentary honour — on PM Modi in recognition of his “exceptional contribution through his personal leadership” in deepening strategic relations between the two countries. The medal was presented after his address, which received a standing ovation and rapturous applause from members. Lawmakers later interacted with him and took photographs, reflecting the warmth in bilateral ties.
Strategic Partnership Anchored in Innovation and Security
In his address, PM Modi emphasised the ancient civilisational connections between the two nations and the robust contemporary partnership built on technology, innovation, defence and security cooperation.
He highlighted expanding collaboration in agriculture, rural development, water management, sustainability and enterprise, while also acknowledging the contributions of the Indian community in Israel and the Jewish diaspora in India.
Reaffirming India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, the Prime Minister conveyed condolences for the October 7 terror attack and expressed support for durable peace efforts, including backing for the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council.
IMEC, I2U2 and Economic Cooperation
PM Modi called for deeper engagement under emerging multilateral frameworks such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 grouping, which brings together India, Israel, the UAE and the United States to advance cooperation in key sectors.
Welcoming the conclusion of the Bilateral Investment Treaty, he urged early finalisation of a Free Trade Agreement to unlock greater economic potential.
Drawing a philosophical parallel between India’s “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) and the Jewish concept of “Tikkun Olam” (repairing the world), PM Modi thanked members of the Knesset for their role in strengthening bilateral ties and conveyed greetings for the upcoming festival of Purim.
The joint visit to the technology exhibition symbolised the forward-looking dimension of India–Israel relations, with innovation and strategic collaboration poised to shape the next phase of the partnership.
