New Delhi | 26 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Israel on a high-profile visit, marking his second trip to the country after his landmark visit in 2017. During the two-day visit, PM Modi is holding bilateral talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, defence and technology. He is also scheduled to interact with the Indian community living in Israel.

The visit saw an emotional and symbolic moment at the Knesset, where PM Modi received a warm welcome from lawmakers. Praising the Indian leader, Netanyahu described him as “more than a friend” and thanked him for standing firmly with Israel after the October 7, 2023 attacks. PM Modi was among the first global leaders to condemn the Hamas attack, which left nearly 1,200 Israelis dead and around 250 people kidnapped.

Speaking at the Knesset, Netanyahu expressed deep personal regard for PM Modi, saying, “Prime ministers and heads of state come to the Knesset and it's always an exciting moment for all of us. But my dear friend Narendra, I'm especially moved by your visit. You are a great friend of Israel and a great leader at the world stage....Narendra, you are more than a friend. You are a brother.” The strong bond between the two leaders was visible through long embraces and repeated standing ovations from members of the Israeli parliament.

Netanyahu also referred to their warm personal connection, saying, “Today at the airport we embraced each other. It's called a Modi hug. I want to return a hug here from every Knesset member. It represents the warmth between us.” Later, PM Modi shared a moment from the visit on social media, writing, “After my Knesset address, PM Netanyahu and I are on the way to an exhibition which showcases strides made in the world of technology.” The visit underlines the growing closeness between India and Israel at both political and people-to-people levels.

PM Modi’s Israel Visit Highlights Strong Bonds as Warm Reception Greets Him at Knesset

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Israel on a high-profile visit, marking his second trip to the country after his landmark visit in 2017. During the two-day visit, PM Modi is holding bilateral talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, defence and technology. He is also scheduled to interact with the Indian community living in Israel.

The visit saw an emotional and symbolic moment at the Knesset, where PM Modi received a warm welcome from lawmakers. Praising the Indian leader, Netanyahu described him as “more than a friend” and thanked him for standing firmly with Israel after the October 7, 2023 attacks. PM Modi was among the first global leaders to condemn the Hamas attack, which left nearly 1,200 Israelis dead and around 250 people kidnapped.

Speaking at the Knesset, Netanyahu expressed deep personal regard for PM Modi, saying, “Prime ministers and heads of state come to the Knesset and it's always an exciting moment for all of us. But my dear friend Narendra, I'm especially moved by your visit. You are a great friend of Israel and a great leader at the world stage....Narendra, you are more than a friend. You are a brother.” The strong bond between the two leaders was visible through long embraces and repeated standing ovations from members of the Israeli parliament.

Netanyahu also referred to their warm personal connection, saying, “Today at the airport we embraced each other. It's called a Modi hug. I want to return a hug here from every Knesset member. It represents the warmth between us.” Later, PM Modi shared a moment from the visit on social media, writing, “After my Knesset address, PM Netanyahu and I are on the way to an exhibition which showcases strides made in the world of technology.” The visit underlines the growing closeness between India and Israel at both political and people-to-people levels.