Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the shared bond between Israel and India during a Knesset plenum address on Wednesday, while outlining plans to strengthen relations by working together in innovation, technology, and economic advancement.
"The friendship between Israel and India remains a source of strength in an uncertain world," Modi said.
The speech marked the first time an Indian prime minister had ever addressed the Israeli parliament and was held shortly after Modi landed in the country for an official state visit. He was greeted with standing ovations from the audience.
Speaking on the Israel-India partnership, Modi said the two countries are both “ancient civilizations” that have flourished in innovation.
“Our partnership is grounded in shared experience," he explained.
“They say Israel is the startup nation. In recent years, we have also been working to unlock innovation and creativity,” he explained.
“Our aspiration spirit aligns naturally with Israel’s innovation ecosystem.”
Modi: Israel, India advance AI technology
Modi spoke on working together with Israel on AI advancements.
“Soon, we will be among the top three economies globally. At the same time, Israel is the powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership. This creates a natural foundation for our partnership."
He also noted that India and Israel had established a parliamentary transit group to strengthen bilateral relations and that the pair committed to expanding trade and investment. Modi added that the bilateral investment treaty signed last year created "certainty and clear prospects" for businesses in both countries.
The Indian prime minister strongly condemned the October 7 massacre and underscored that his country empathized with Israel after the attacks.
"We feel your pain. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond. Nothing justifies error,” he said during his remarks at the Knesset plenum.
Modi also added that India would stand firmly with Israel in all counter terrorism actions.
"Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action...India supports all efforts that contribute to regional peace and stability.
Indian Jews' community in Israel
Speaking of the Bnei Menashem community in Israel, Modi said that many Indian Jews had immigrated.
“We have a strong community living here. They contribute to building modern Israel. They firmly believe that Israel is their homeland and India is their motherland, and we are proud of that. Distinguished members, India’s connection to this land is also written in blood and sacrifice. During World War I, more than 4,000 Indian soldiers gave their lives in this region.”
"Indian caregivers and workers contribute to families and communities in Israel, even in difficult times, including October 7. We are proud of them."
Modi encouraged further Israeli travel to his country. "I invite more and more young Israelis to travel to India," he said.
He also invited all those in the plenum to visit India.
“Am Yisrael Chai,” the Indian prime minister declared in his concluding remarks as the plenum audience chanted “Modi,” and gave him a standing ovation.
Israel grants Modi Knesset Medal
Ohana then placed the first-ever Knesset Medal on Modi at the podium.
The Knesset stated that the honorary award was granted because Modi had significantly strengthened the ties between India and Israel and deepened the strategic cooperation between the two countries.
"This is a historic moment for the Knesset and for the State of Israel as a whole,” Ohana said.
“The awarding of the medal to Prime Minister Modi expresses our deep appreciation for his efforts in forging a strategic alliance between Israel and India. His policy reflects courageous, consistent, and sincere friendship with the State of Israel, and a steadfast commitment to stand by its side even during complex and challenging times.”
Netanyahu thanks Modi for friendship, collaboration post 10/7
Ahead of Modi’s speech, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed him at the plenum, thanking him as well for his country’s support and calling him “a great friend of Israel. And a great leader on the world stage.”
“I said, ‘My friend,’ these are not just words. You are more than a friend. In many ways, you are a brother,” Netanyahu added.
"The alliance between us is an enormous multiplier," he continued.
Netanyahu thanked Modi for his "unwavering" support of Israel after October 7.
“There is another reason for the deep appreciation you receive in this house and among the Israeli public. Immediately after the horrific massacre on October 7, you stood firmly and clearly by Israel’s side. We will never forget that. We know what we stood up against, but many in the world quickly forgot.”
“We are two democracies. We are now deepening our deep bond. Israel is stronger than ever, and India is stronger than ever,” Netanyahu said.
“We have doubled our trade and accomplished very great things within the framework of our cooperation. Israel is a small country, but with great strength. We are two ancient peoples,” Netanayhu said.
“During this visit, we will weave agreements in culture, agriculture, defense, technology, and the economy. We are shaping reality,” he said.
Opposition parties boycotted most of the special plenum session because Supreme Court Chief Justice Isaac Amit was not invited amid the ongoing rift between the government and the judiciary.
They rejoined the session for Modi's speech, despite the boycott, stating that their re-entrance was done "in order to respect the alliance between the countries and express our appreciation for Prime Minister Modi's standing by Israel's side."
Ahead of the plenum session, when arriving at the Knesset, Modi signed the parliament's Guest Book, inscribing within it that he was proud to be the first Indian prime minister to address the plenum.
Modi is first-ever Indian PM to address Knesset
In the Knesset Guest Book, Modi said he was proud to be the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset.
"It is an honor to be the first Indian prime minister to address the Knesset. India and Israel share a deep commitment to freedom, pluralism, and the rule of law. Our shared values are the foundation of a strong and profound partnership between our two peoples. We will continue to work together to advance peace, innovation, and prosperity, and to contribute to a just, fair, and sustainable world," Modi wrote.
Modi's arrival in Israel
Modi was greeted by Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, during a ceremony held at Ben-Gurion Airport. The pair held a private meeting at the airport and then headed to Jerusalem for Modi's address at the Knesset.
Following the arrival of the Indian prime minister, Netanyahu's office stated that he and Modi have a "close personal relationship" that "strongly reflects the relations between the two countries."
"This is a bond of real friendship," Netanyahu said as he shook Modi's hand during their private meeting.
Modi to visit Yad Vashem as part of state visit
On Thursday, the prime ministers will visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum and hold an expanded meeting at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem.
The leaders will then sign a series of agreements between Israel and India in the economic, security, and diplomatic fields, "boosting cooperation between the two nations." This will be followed by joint press statements, the PMO confirmed.