Modi received a standing ovation from the Knesset members as he rose to address the Knesset.
Photo: Screengrab of a video posted by the Prime Minister of Israel.
Chants of ‘Modi, Modi’ echoed in the Knesset as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament on Wednesday during his two-day state visit to the country. Modi received a standing ovation from the Knesset members as he rose to address the Knesset.
“In a world where anti-Semitism is rising, India stands out. A civilisation where Jews were never persecuted by the state, only welcomed. We don’t forget that, too. Thank you, India,” Netanyahu said during his address. Leader of the Opposition in Israel, Yair Lapid, also thanked Modi for his visit, saying, “we are all, both sides of the aisle, looking forward to your speech.”
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#WATCH | Jerusalem, Israel: PM Narendra Modi receives a standing ovation as he begins his address at the Knesset
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(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/R5sMaBDGuh
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026
Addressing the Israeli Parliament, Prime Minister Modi said that it is a privilege and an honour for him to stand before the 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,” he said.
Modi, who became the first Indian PM to address the Knesset, said that India’s connection to Israel is written in blood and sacrifice as more than 4,000 Indian soldiers laid down their lives in the region during World War I.
He offered deepest condolences of the people of India for those who lost their lives in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7.
“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,” Modi said.
WATCH: Modi’s full Knesset address
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu attend official reception ceremony at the Knesset for Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi. https://t.co/MeRBadwT33
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) February 25, 2026
Modi on terrorism
Noting that India has long endured the pain of terrorism, the Prime Minister said that New Delhi supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.
“No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism. 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,” Modi said.
He continued, “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…”
On the Gaza Peace Initiative
The Prime Minister said that India firmly supports the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, adding that it will ensure a durable peace and address the Palestine issue.
“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.” He said, “The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace, and stability in this region.”
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