PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit: 'Modi Modi' Chants Echo Inside Israel Parliament As PM Receives Standing Ovation

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: After delivering his historic speech at the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu headed for an exhibition on technology, together, in a car.

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: PM Narendra Modi said it is a great honour for him to receive the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal'. He called the medal an expression of the "strong and enduring friendship between India and Israel".

"I accept it with humility and deep gratitude….It reflects the shared values that guide both our nations."

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: The Israeli Parliament conferred PM Narendra Modi with 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthen strategic relations between Israel and India.

Notably, the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ is the highest honour of the Knesset.

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Israel Parliament that the ties between India and Israel are rooted in history. 

“India's connection to this land is written in blood and sacrifice. During the First World War, more than 4,000 Indian soldiers laid down their lives in this region,” he added.

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is proud to become the first Indian PM to address the Israel Parliament. “Nine years ago, I had the privilege of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. I am very happy to be here again today,” he added.

He further noted that he was born on September 17, 1950- the very day India formally recognised the State of Israel.

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi, while addressing the Israel Parliament, said it is his honour and privilege to address the House. He added, “It is a privilege and an honour for me to stand before this distinguished House. I do so as the Prime Minister of India and also as a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another. I bring with me the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership.”

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: PM Narendra Modi is delivering his historic address at the Knesset, becoming the first Prime Minister of India to do so. He addressed the house by greeting them in Hebrew, saying, “Shalom.” He received a standing ovation as he began his speech.

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who embraced PM Modi at the airport earlier in the day, called the hug “special”. He added, “ It's called the Modi hug. It's well known around the world. And when you hug someone, closely, truly, you know it's not an act. It's a real thing. It's called the Modi hug.”

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: The Opposition leaders of Israel have decided not to boycott PM Modi's speech in the Knesset. The Opposition leaders have left the Parliament, however, they will return for PM Modi's historic address.

“We will only return for the Indian prime minister’s speech to respect the alliance between the countries and express our appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s standing by Israel.”

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes PM Modi at the Knesset with a heartwarming speech. He said that more than a friend, PM Modi is like his brother.

“Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend. More than a friend, you are like a brother.”

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE:  Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana warmly welcomed PM Modi in the Israel Parliament. Speaking in Hindi, Ohana said, “Jerusalem me aapka swagat hai. Knesset me aapka swagat hai. (Welcome to Jerusalem. Welcome to the Knesset.")

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: The Knesset building echoed with ‘Modi, Modi’ chants as the Israel Parliament warmly welcomed PM Narendra Modi.

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: PM Narendra Modi received a standing ovation at the Israel Parliament.

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the Israel Parliament, where he is due to address the plenum — becoming the first Indian head of government to do so.

He was received outside the parliament building by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Knesset speaker, Amir Ohana.

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: PM Modi is set to address the Israel Parliament shortly.

Anat Bernstein-Reich, the President of Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce, expressed her excitement over the arrival of PM Modi in Israel. “I hosted him in 2006, 20 years ago. So I'm excited to see him coming here for the second time as the Prime Minister.  Entire Israel is happy about his visit,” Anat Bernstein-Reich said.

After holding a private meeting with Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Narendra Modi expressed delight on being back to Israel after nine years. PM Modi said he was deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by his “friend” Netanyahu. “May the India-Israel friendship continue to soar higher,” the PM added.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and more offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region.”

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: Following a grand welcoming ceremony at Ben Gurion International Airport, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a private one-on-one meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called the ties 'real friendship'.

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: In a lighter exchange, the Israeli Prime Minister points towards the saffron-coloured outfit worn by his wife, Sara Netanyahu, and tells PM Modi, “She’s wearing saffron,” in an apparent gesture of symbolic camaraderie.

Netanyahu is also heard telling his wife, “Modi is a wonderful leader,” as the three share smiles on the tarmac, creating what many online have described as a warm and personal diplomatic moment. 

ALSO READ: ‘She’s Wearing Saffron’: Netanyahu’s Playful Gesture To PM Modi On Tel Aviv Tarmac Goes Viral | WATCH

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his historic visit to Israel, blind Indian-origin singer Dina Semte shared her emotional journey ahead of her performance before the Prime Minister.

Expressing her joy, she added, "I am happy that I am performing in front of PM Modi. Music connects everyone. This is very special for me."

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu responds to PM Narendra Modi's tweet, "It’s a great honor to welcome you to Israel, Prime Minister Modi. आपका स्वागत है..."

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: 

Day 1 (Feb 25)

1. Address to the Israeli Parliament (Knesset)
2. Visit to technology and innovation exhibition
3. Private dinner hosted by PM Netanyahu

Day 2 (February 26)

1. Visit to Yad Vashem memorial
2. Bilateral talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog
3. Delegation-level discussions with PM Netanyahu
4. Exchange of MoUs and press statements
5. Interaction with Indian-Jewish community members
6. Departure for Delhi

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: People of Indian origin have gathered at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, eagerly waiting to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: Ahead of his departure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi features today on the front page of the Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post.

One headline read "Welcome, Modi," while another one read "New Delhi's burgeoning partnership with Jerusalem".

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a two-day state visit, expressed his gratitude after being warmly received at the airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu.

In a statement upon landing, PM Modi said: "Landed in Israel. 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."

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: Before his departure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his upcoming visit to Israel as an opportunity to further deepen the two nations' "robust and multifaceted strategic partnership".

In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said, “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.”

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: In a warm gesture, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Tel Aviv airport upon his arrival. Sharing a tweet, Netanyahu wrote, “Welcome to Israel, my dear friend @narendramodi.”

PM Narendra Modi Israel Visit LIVE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara Netanyahu, at the airport to welcome PM Narendra Modi.