PM Modi Addresses Knesset, Says He Was Born On Day India Recognised Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Israel's Parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday, highlighting the evolving partnership between New Delhi and Tel Aviv while sharing a personal connection to a historic diplomatic milestone. The visit marks his return to Israel years after his landmark earlier trip and comes amid heightened global attention on West Asia.

Personal link and return to Israel

Recalling his earlier outreach, Modi said the visit carried emotional significance for him.

"Nine years ago, I had the good fortune to be the first PM of India to visit Israel, and I'm very happy to be here again, returning to a land to which I always felt drawn. After all, I was on the same day that India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950," he added.

He emphasised that bilateral ties have deepened across sectors and indicated that people-to-people connections continue to strengthen diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Modi before the address, calling him "a close friend of Israel, a strong advocate of the India-Israel partnership, and a prominent leader on the global stage."

Condolences after October 7 attack

During the speech, the Prime Minister expressed solidarity with Israelis following the Hamas attack.

"I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7th. We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond," PM Modi said.

As part of the parliamentary visit, he laid a wreath and paid floral tributes. Accompanied by Netanyahu, he also greeted children waving the flags of both countries and interacted with them, with several youngsters taking selfies.

Recalling 26/11 and zero tolerance on terror

The Prime Minister connected Israel's security concerns with India's own experiences.

"India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards. Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That's why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability," he added.

Modi's trip is a two-day state visit and includes official engagements aimed at strengthening political, security and public diplomacy cooperation between the two nations.