Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, marking the beginning of his Israel trip. The last time the Indian leader visited Israel was in 2017, as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Gulf country. During his visit, PM Modi delivered his address at the Knesset.
'Holocaust is the darkest chapter'
During his speech, Modi underlined Israel's history while reiterating the Gaza Initiative's path to peace. He also said, "The Holocaust is the darkest chapter," reigniting memories of Jewish persecution during the Second World War.
He also highlighted that Indian soldiers laid their lives during WWII, and talked about the contributions of Lt. Gen. J.F.R. Jacob in the Indian Army, the only Jewish General of the Indian Armed Forces, who played a pivotal role during the 1971 War against Pakistan.
He also highlighted that Israelis were victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. He claimed that the Gaza Peace Initiative was a path towards peace. During his speech, he suggested that the road towards peace was 'not easy'.
Also Read | PM Modi highlights dharma, growth, and peace during Knesset address
The Indian Prime Minister also said that the ties between Israel and India date back 2,000 years.
#WATCH | Jerusalem, Israel: Israel Parliament confers "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026
This is the highest honour of the Knesset. The medal is being conferred in recognition of PMs exceptional contribution “ through his personal leadership “ to pic.twitter.com/RAR1AO6n1j
India and Israel: 'Victims of terror'
Stressing the fact that India and Israel have been victims of terror attacks, PM Modi said that Israelis were victims of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. During his speech, he also shared Israel's grief, saying nothing can justify an attack on civilians. He also claimed that the Gaza Peace Initiative was a path towards peace. During his speech, he suggested that the road towards peace was 'not easy'.
Also Read | PM Modi receives 'Speaker of the Knesset' medal, adding another to his list of global laurels
The Israeli leadership praised PM Modi as a steadfast partner and highlighted the growing collaboration between the two countries. The visit also included discussions aimed at expanding defence cooperation and economic engagement, reflecting the increasingly close relationship between New Delhi and Tel Aviv.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also conferred the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' by the Israeli Parliament, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to receive the honour. The recognition is seen as a tribute to his role in strengthening India-Israel relations and expanding cooperation across strategic sectors. The medal was presented during a special ceremony at the Knesset in Jerusalem.
