The Prime Minister will meet Israeli leaders, address the Knesset and engage with the diaspora as India and Israel look to expand cooperation across sectors during the two-day visit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves upon arrival in Israel, as the Knesset in Jerusalem is illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag ahead of his address. | X
The streets of Jerusalem were decked up with Israeli and Indian flags on Wednesday as Israel prepared to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his two-day state visit, underscoring the growing warmth in bilateral ties.
The visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is widely being viewed as a defining moment in the evolving India-Israel Strategic Partnership. During the visit, PM Modi is expected to sit down for talks with Israeli leaders. He will also address the Knesset, a moment that will see him become the first Indian Prime Minister to speak in the Israeli Parliament.
Advertisement
The Jerusalem Post‘s front page featured a photograph of PM Modi waving, alongside stories focused on his visit and the evolving India-Israel relationship. One headline read “Welcome, Modi,” while another described “New Delhi’s burgeoning partnership with Jerusalem.”
Advertisement
It is indeed a historic visit to Israel. I’m confident it will add new momentum to the bilateral friendship between our nations. https://t.co/3dZpsf4Tqt
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026
Ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival, the Israeli Parliament building was illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said, “In tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Knesset is illuminated tonight in the colors of the Indian flag.”
The gesture was acknowledged by PM Modi, who responded to the post saying, “Honoured by the gesture. Looking forward to addressing the Knesset later today.”
Honoured by the gesture. Looking forward to addressing the Knesset later today. @KnessetENG https://t.co/0PaG9Nutmy
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026
The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a brief meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before addressing the Knesset later in the day.
Ahead of his departure, PM Modi described the visit as an opportunity to further deepen the “robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership” between India and Israel.
“At the invitation of my dear friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I will be undertaking a State Visit to Israel from 25-26 February 2026,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.
“India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years,” the statement added.
The Prime Minister expressed his eagerness for discussions with his Israeli counterpart focused on enhancing collaboration across multiple sectors. He is also scheduled to meet President Isaac Herzog during the visit.
“I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that he also looked forward to engaging with the Indian diaspora in Israel, crediting them with strengthening goodwill between the two countries.
“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.”
Advertisement
