PM Modi Israel Visit Live: Netanyahu sees off PM Modi as he departs Israel

India & Israel elevate ties to 'Special Strategic Partnership'; agree to soon seal free trade deal

India and Israel on Thursday elevated their “time-tested” ties to a special strategic partnership, agreeing to accelerate negotiations on a long-pending free trade agreement. The announcement came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s support for peace efforts in Gaza, emphasising that “humanity must never become a victim of conflict.”

In a media statement following wide-ranging talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi highlighted that India’s security interests are closely tied to peace and stability in the Middle East. He reaffirmed New Delhi’s consistent call for a peaceful resolution to the Gaza conflict.

After the meeting, India and Israel signed 17 agreements and documents aimed at deepening cooperation across sectors including artificial intelligence, trade, investment, education, manufacturing, culture, maritime heritage, and agriculture.

Both sides also pledged to further strengthen their defence partnership, committing to advance joint development and joint production of military hardware, with a focus on technology transfer.

Netanyahu sees off PM Modi as he departs Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs from Jerusalem after concluding his two-day visit

He held meetings with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, addressed the parliament and interacted with the Indian diaspora.

'No undercover work!' PM Modi meets Fauda star cast on Israel visit, posts selfie

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a lighthearted selfie of him meeting the star cast of the Jewish spy thriller series Fauda on Thursday.Posting the photo on X, PM Modi wrote: "Thankfully, this interaction required only a selfie, no undercover work!" Read full story

PM Modi meets the cast of popular Israeli TV show "Fauda"

India-Israel to get boost in defence ties

The two countries will also pursue joint development, production, and transfer of technology in defence, PM Modi said at the end of his two-day trip to Israel.

PM Modi praises 'I Love My India' performance by Divyang artistes in Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the performance of the song "I Love My India" by a band of specially-abled artistes. PM Modi said that the performance reflected the shared heritage and enduring bonds between India and Israel.

In a post on X, PM Modi described the performance as "a memorable performance of the song 'I Love My India' by a remarkable ensemble of Divyang artists, bringing together Indian-origin Jews and Israeli citizens. This beautifully celebrates the shared heritage and enduring bonds between India and Israel!"

Humanity must never become victim of conflict,' says PM Modi

PM Modi thanks Netanyahu for 'warm welcome' to Israel.

" Shalom! I thank PM Netanyahu for extending a warm welcome to me and my delegation. Nine years ago, I got the opportunity to visit Israel for the first time. After 9 years, visiting Israel again is a moment of pride for me. Yesterday, I was awarded the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal'. I dedicate this award to 140 crore Indians and the India-Israel friendship," he said.

PM Modi hints at India-Israel FTA

During the press meet, PM Modi said that they will give 'shape to free trade agreement'.

Netanyahu hails PM Modi's 'amazing visit'

"This is an amazing visit, an amazing conclusion to an amazing visit. It was short but extraordinarily productive and also extraordinarily moving. I think there wasn't a dry eye left in Israel after your moving statement yesterday in the Knesset. I can tell you that since then we have also had the opportunity to not only look deep into our hearts but also into our remarkable minds that we have in our two countries," said the Israeli PM.

PM Modi addresses joint press meet

'Owe India a great lot of debt': Netanyahu during joint press meet

Israeli PM Netanyahu addresses joint press meet with PM Modi

"Not a dry eye left in Israel," said Netanyahu, expressing gratitude to PM Modi.

Several MoUs between India and Israel signed in Presence of PM Modi Israel's Netanyahu

India and Israel signed a series of economic, security and diplomatic agreements after the conclusion of the delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

India and Israel sign MoUs in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Tel Aviv.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Israeli President Isaac Herzog and the two leaders explored avenues to further enhance cooperation in education, start-ups, innovation, tech and connectivity.

PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Israeli president

PM Modi on pays his respects at Yad Vashem-Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust in Jerusalem

Modi Israel Visit Live: PM pays his respects at Yad Vashem-Israel's Holocaust Memorial

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects at Yad Vashem-Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust in Jerusalem.

At Yad Vashem, his prayer was quiet and reflective. Both Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and PM Narendra Modi stood in silence at the Hall of Remembrance, while recitations in Kaddish were on, honouring the victims of the Holocaust. The focus was respect, remembrance, and hope for peace and humanity.

Yad Vashem is Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, located in Jerusalem. Established in 1953, it is dedicated to preserving the memory of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II.

Social media in Israel buzzes with PM Modi's name as he dominates X trends during his visit

Conversations surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit did not just captivate the streets of Israel or the halls of the Knesset, where he delivered a historic address on Wednesday, but also dominated the digital discourse across the country.

Discussions linked to PM Modi's visit to the Middle Eastern country at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, trended prominently on social media platform X on Thursday, with topics related to his visit securing the No. 2 and No. 3 spots on Israel's trending list.

The surge of PM Modi's name in the trending list on X in Israel reflects the widespread interest and the affection that the country has towards the Indian leader.

Affection and respect for PM Modi in Israel were quite evident during his visit. The bonhomie with Netanyahu, who personally came to the airport to receive the Prime Minister upon his arrival, underscores the bond the two leaders share.

The Prime Minister was also conferred with the "Speaker of the Knesset" medal, one of Israel's highest parliamentary honours, after his address in the Israeli Parliament, becoming the first Indian PM to ever adresss The Knesset.

The "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" was awarded in recognition of PM Modi's "exceptional contribution through his personal leadership" in strengthening strategic ties between India and Israel, as he became the first foreign leader to receive the honour.

PM Modi, in his address, highlighted the deep historical bonds between the two countries.

"Long before we related to each other as modern States, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times," the PM said.

He emphasised that Jewish communities have lived in India " without fear of persecution or discrimination", preserving their faith while fully participating in Indian society, a record he described as a matter of pride.

PM Modi visits holocaust memorial in Jerusalem

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: Indian-origin Divyang artists perform 'I Love My India'

India firmly stands with Israel in this moment & beyond: PM Modi

As he became the first Indian PM to address the Israeli Knesset, Narendra Modi solidly backed Israel on the issue of terrorism, strongly condemning the Oct 7, 2023 attacks and naming Hamas for the “barbaric” act, while also asserting that India stood with Israel and with full conviction “in this moment, and beyond”.

Modi did not mention India’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, but said that the Gaza peace initiative endorsed by UNSC held the promise of a just and durable peace for all people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue.

“We feel your pain, share your grief. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism,” said Modi, drawing applause. Recalling the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which counted Israeli citizens, too, as victims, Modi said that India, like Israel, follows a consistent and uncompromising zero-tolerance policy against 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,” said the PM.


While on Gaza issue, PM Modi said the road to peace is not always easy, but India is with Israel and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region. “Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity,” said the PM, while endorsing the UNSC-backed peace initiative that he said offered a path.

Modi also mentioned the Abraham Accords, which had been strongly backed by India.

“Some years ago, when you concluded the Abraham Accords, we applauded your courage and vision. It was a moment of new hope for a long-troubled region. Since then, the situation has changed significantly. The path is even more challenging. Yet it is important to sustain that hope,” said the PM.

After my Knesset address, PM Netanyahu and I are on the way to an exhibition which showcases strides made in the world of technology: PM Modi

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweets in Hindi, "Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire."

As he became the first Indian PM to address the Israeli Knesset, Narendra Modi solidly backed Israel on the issue of terrorism, strongly condemning the Oct 7, 2023, attacks and naming Hamas for the "barbaric" act, while also asserting that India stood with Israel and with full conviction "in this moment, and beyond".

Modi did not mention India's long-standing support for a two-state solution, but said the Gaza peace initiative endorsed by UNSC held the promise of a just and durable peace for all people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue.

"We feel your pain, share your grief. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism," said Modi, drawing applause. Recalling the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which counted Israeli citizens, too, as victims, Modi said that India, like Israel, follows a consistent and uncompromising zero-tolerance policy against 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," said the PM.

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday expressed hope that PM Modi will raise the Gaza genocide and demand justice for Palestinians in his address to the Israeli Knesset.

"India has stood for what is right throughout our history as an independent nation, we must continue to show the light of truth, peace and justice to the world," she wrote on X.

Congress neta Rahul Gandhi, referring to Epstein Files, poked fun at the PM that "at least once, you've already 'danced and sung' in Israel at Epstein's behest - so this time, on whose orders will you strike a deal against the country's interests?"

NEW DELHI: PM Modi's visit to Israel rendered a rare moment of bipartisanship in its bitterly fractious and fragmented polity as its leader of opposition Yair Lapid called him a true friend of his country, while PM Netanyahu along with his wife Sara received Modi at the airport, a special gesture that signified their chemistry as well as the bonds between the two countries.

Under Modi - the only Indian PM to have visited Israel - ties have strengthened significantly, aided in part by his close equation with Netanyahu and growing cooperation in defence, technology, agriculture and innovation. "It's a great honour to welcome you to Israel, PM Modi," Netanyahu said, adding that the partnership between the two democracies continued to deepen. He also lightened the moment by pointing out that the saffron shade of Modi's pocket square matched Sara Netanyahu's dress, prompting laughter and signalling the comfort level between the leaders.

Reflecting the buzz around the visit, English daily The Jerusalem Post dedicated its front page to the trip, splashing the Hindi greeting "Namaste" alongside the Hebrew "Shalom" to highlight the warmth in ties. Lapid posted in Hindi that all of Israel was eager to welcome Modi, describing the ties as "not merely strategic but a bond of deep friendship".

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Wednesday expressed confidence that his state visit to Israel would further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the strategic partnership, and advance the shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future. Later in the day, Modi was welcomed at the airport in Tel Aviv by his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu.

Following the arrival ceremony, the two leaders held a brief one-on-one meeting. "Had an excellent meeting with PM Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after nine 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," Modi said on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a technology and innovations exhibition.

May the India-Israel friendship remain a source of strength in an uncertain world: PM Modi in Knesset

Following his address to the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu were heading to a technology exhibition.

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: Deeply honoured to received Medal of Knesset'

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: 'Honoured to address the Knesset,' says PM Modi

"It's been an honour to address the Knesset. It was also a delight to interact with distinguished members of the Knesset. My address covered the deep-rooted friendship between our nations and the goodwill of the people of India towards the people of Israel," tweets PM Modi.

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: PM Modi's engagements on Thursday

On Thursday, the second and last day of his state visit, PM Modi and Netanyahu will visit Jerusalem's Yad Vashem museum, built in memory of Holocaust victims. Later, the two countries will sign a series of agreements in the economic, security, and diplomatic spheres that will further advance cooperation between Israel and India.

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: Israel Parliament confers its highest honour upon PM Modi

Speaker of the Knesset Medal" upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the highest honour of the Knesset. The medal is being conferred in recognition of PM’s exceptional contribution – through his personal leadership – to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel.

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: 'India-Israel connection is written in blood and sacrifice'

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

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: 'Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution'

Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination. They have preserved their faiths and participated fully in society: PM Narendra Modi

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: 'Road to peace is not easy,' says PM Modi

"The Gaza Peace Initiative, which was endorsed by the UN Security Council, offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support for the initiative. We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity. The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region," says PM Modi.

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: PM calls for 'durable peace' and 'regional stability'

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 is why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability: PM Modi

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: PM pays tribute to late Indian Army officer Lt Gen JFR Jacob, a Jew

"The heroic contribution of Lt. Gen. JFR Jacob during 1971 war is widely known. I remember having conversations with him on Israel over tea," says PM Modi.,=

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: PM condemns 'barbaric' October 7 attacks

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 Read full story here

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: PM Modi says he was born on the same day as India formally recognised Israel

"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.I was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950," says PM Modi.

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: Netanyahu calls India a 'gigantic power'

"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," says Netanyahu.

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: Netanyahu mentions PM's 'Modi hug'

"Prime Minister Modi's personal embrace is something special. 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. So I want to return the hug here to every single one of the Knesset members and it's not only an indication of the personal relations, of the personal friendship between us, but it really reflects the warmth of the tie between our two peoples," says Benjamin Netanyahu.

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: Netanyahu calls PM Modi 'my dear friend'

Addressing the Knesset, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says, "I have to be diplomatic, I will not rank it. I don’t want to get into trouble. But I have never been more moved than by your visit here.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."

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: 'Jerusalem mein aapka swagat hai,' says Knesset speaker

"Jerusalem mein aapka swagat hai, Knesset mein aapka swaat hai (We welcome you to Jerusalem, we welcome you to the Knesset)," says Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

PM Modi Israel Visit Live: Israel MPs raise 'Modi, Modi' chants

Israeli MPs raise chants of 'Modi, Modi' as PM Modi prepares to address the Knesset, the first by an Indian prime minister.