Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a standing ovation at the Knesset on Wednesday amid chants of “Modi, Modi” before his address to Israeli lawmakers, marking a high point of his ongoing visit to Israel.
Earlier in the day, Modi arrived in Israel to a red-carpet welcome at Ben Gurion Airport, where he was received by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu. The ceremonial reception, complete with a warm hug and handshake between the two leaders, signalled renewed momentum in bilateral ties.
“It’s a great honour to welcome you to Israel, Prime Minister Modi,” Netanyahu said.
Modi described the reception as a mark of friendship between the two nations. “I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship,” he said on social media.
#WATCH | Jerusalem, Israel: With 'Modi, Modi' chants, PM Narendra Modi receives a standing ovation at the Knesset, Israeli parliament(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/K5L0tqyMEF — ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026
Calling the visit historic, Netanyahu said on X, “My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel.” He added that he and Modi share a “close personal relationship, speak often, and I believe that the deep friendship between us powerfully reflects on the ties between our two countries.”
This is Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years. During his first visit in July 2017, the India-Israel relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership.
In his pre-departure statement, Modi underscored the depth of bilateral ties. “India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years,” he said.
“I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, technology, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties,” he added.
Modi said the two leaders would also exchange views on regional and global developments. “I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the strategic partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future,” he said.
The visit assumes added significance amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Over the past few years, India-Israel ties have expanded in defence, scientific research, cybersecurity and innovation.
Defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of the partnership, with Israel supplying a range of military platforms and systems to India. During the visit of India’s defence secretary to Israel in November last year, an important agreement on defence cooperation was signed.
India is also exploring options to strengthen its indigenous air defence shield, “Sudarshan Chakra”, and is understood to be examining the possibility of incorporating elements from Israel’s Iron Dome all-weather air defence system.
Trade and investment ties are also on an upward trajectory. During Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Israel in November, the terms of reference for launching negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement were signed. In September, the two countries inked a Bilateral Investment Agreement to deepen economic cooperation.
People-to-people ties remain a vital component of the relationship, supported by a 41,000-strong Indian diaspora in Israel that continues to play a key role in strengthening bilateral engagement.
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