Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” by Israel’s Parliament on Wednesday before addressing the House in Jerusalem. As he rose to speak, members of the Knesset greeted him with chants of “Modi, Modi,” marking the first-ever address by an Indian Prime Minister in the Knesset.
Welcoming him, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had “never been more moved” than by Modi’s visit. “With us today is a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, and a great leader on the world stage. Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Netanyahu said.
PM Modi began his speech with “Shalom” and “Namaste.” He expressed condolences over the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu on “Modi hug”
Referring to the widely noted “Modi hug,” Netanyahu added that the gesture symbolised genuine warmth and reflected not only their personal friendship but also the deep bond between the people of India and Israel. “It really reflects the warmth of the tie between our two peoples,” he said.
“India is a gigantic power of almost one and a half billion people. Israel is somewhat smaller, but Israel is gigantic too. I want to say that the alliance between us is an enormous multiplier of our individual powers, an enormous multiplier. It’s a multiplier of the spirit and the multiplier of deeds and capabilities,” said Netanyahu.
PM Modi’s address in Israel Parliament
In his address, Modi stressed the need for united global action against terrorism. “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,” he said. India, he added, supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.
“India’s connection to this land is also written in blood and sacrifice. During the First World War, more than 4,000 Indian soldiers laid down their lives in this region” PM Modi said.
PM Modi said that no cause can justify the killing of civilians. He said India understands Israel’s pain and stands with the country in this difficult time and in the future. He also said that India has suffered from terrorism for many years. The speech showed a renewed commitment between the two countries to fight terrorism together.
Top quotes from the PM Modi’s speech
- “I bring with me greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership.”
- “India–Israel Connection Is Written in Blood and Sacrifice,” Narendra Modi in Israeli Parliament
- “In Israel, principle of Tikkun Olam speaks of healing the world; In India, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam affirms that world is one family.”
- “The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region.”
- “India supports Gaza peace initiative; it holds promise for a just and durable peace for the region.”
- “In today’s uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance.”
- “For the last few years, India has been the fastest growing major economy in the world… At the same time, Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, on Wednesday during his two-day visit to the country. He arrived in Israel just hours before the speech. This was the first time an Indian Prime Minister addressed the Knesset.
Israel visit is to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Israel. During his visit, he will hold delegation-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He will also meet President Isaac Herzog.
Defence and security cooperation will be a major focus of the visit. The two sides are expected to discuss possible collaboration between India’s indigenous air defence system, “Sudarshan Chakra,” and Israel’s Iron Dome technology.
