PM Modi holds meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog: 'India eager to welcome you'

PM Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit of Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 26 held a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his two-day visit to the county and urged him to visit India.

"I am glad that I have had the opportunity to meet you before in various places... Today is my opportunity to visit you. The people of India are eager to welcome you, and therefore, I especially invite you to visit India. I urge you not only to come to Delhi, but to spare some time so that the people of other places in India also have the opportunity to welcome you," PM Modi said during his meeting in Jerusalem.

The talks between the two leaders centred on bolstering bilateral relations, expanding strategic collaboration and strengthening people-to-people connections between India and Israel.

Before the meeting, President Herzog took to X to warmly greet PM Modi, writing: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the people of Israel welcome you with open arms. I look forward to hosting you today in Jerusalem!”

The message underscored the cordial atmosphere surrounding PM Modi’s visit, which has generated considerable public and political interest in Israel.

In a symbolic gesture marking the personal warmth of the engagement, the two leaders planted a sapling at the Presidential office.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, where he paid tribute to those who perished. He was accompanied by his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders also planted a sapling at the memorial site.

At the Hall of Remembrance, they observed a moment of silence as the Kaddish prayer was recited, honouring the memory of Holocaust victims. The ceremony emphasised remembrance, respect and a shared hope for peace and humanity. PM Modi also laid a wreath at the memorial.