Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a firm hand of friendship to Israel and condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack as a "barbaric terrorist attack" during his address to the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, on February 25, 2026. He expressed India's strong support for the Gaza Peace Initiative, calling it a pathway to just and durable peace for all, including by addressing the Palestine issue.
During his second visit to Israel after nine years, Mr. Modi highlighted India's own struggle against terrorism, citing the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy for terrorism with no double standards. He praised Israel's efforts to build ties with Arab countries under the Abraham Accords, noting that sustaining hope is crucial amid evolving regional challenges.
Mr. Modi emphasized strengthening India-Israel bilateral relations across sectors such as water management, agriculture, talent partnerships, and trade. He highlighted ongoing work on cross-border financial linkages through Digital Public Infrastructure and an ambitious Free Trade Agreement, aimed at unlocking the untapped potential of bilateral trade.
Welcoming him, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Mr. Modi for India's steadfast support to Israel and the Jewish community during challenging times.
Mr. Modi was conferred the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' and spoke of India's long-standing ties with the Jewish community, rooted in ancient trade and movement of people. He expressed admiration for Israel's resolve, courage, and achievements, highlighting the absence of discrimination against Jews in India and referencing historic Jewish communities in Kerala, Kolkata, and Mumbai. He also addressed the Indian-origin Jewish community in Israel, noting:
"Today, a vibrant Indian-origin Jewish community lives here... They hold firmly that Israel is their fatherland and India their motherland. We are proud of them."
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also toured the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, laying a wreath in memory of Holocaust victims. Accompanied by PM Netanyahu and Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, he visited the Book of Names, which records the names of 4.8 million Jewish victims, and attended a memorial ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance. Mr. Modi signed the Yad Vashem guest book, paying tribute to the victims and emphasizing the importance of remembering history to uphold peace, justice, and human dignity.
This marked PM Modi's second visit to Yad Vashem, following his earlier visit in July 2017. Reflecting on the experience, he noted:
"It is a poignant reminder of the unspeakable evil inflicted generations ago and a symbol of the endurance of the Jewish people. As we confront conflict, intolerance, hatred, and terror today, Yad Vashem serves as a mirror to societies worldwide. Remembering the past empowers future generations to make compassionate and just choices."
PM Modi's February 2026 visit to Israel was a two-day State Visit. He received a grand welcome in Tel Aviv and later became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a Special Plenary of the Knesset in Jerusalem.
