PM Modi and Netanyahu travel together to technology and innovation exhibition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday jointly visited a technology and innovations exhibition in Israel, shortly after PM Modi addressed a Special Plenary of the Knesset in Jerusalem.

“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 posted on X. He earlier described it as an honour to address the Knesset and interact with its distinguished members, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship and goodwill between the people of India and Israel.

Historic Address and Top Honour

PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament. On arrival, he was received by Speaker Amir Ohana and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Ahead of his speech, PM Netanyahu, Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid and Speaker Ohana expressed strong bipartisan support for India-Israel ties.

The Israeli Parliament conferred the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” — its highest honour — on PM Modi in recognition of his “exceptional contribution through his personal leadership” in strengthening strategic relations between the two nations. The medal was presented after his address, which received a standing ovation and rapturous applause. Members of the Knesset later interacted with him and took selfies.

Strategic Partnership and Shared Values

In his speech, PM Modi underlined the ancient civilisational links and the robust contemporary partnership based on technology, innovation, defence and security. He noted cooperation in agriculture, rural development, water management, sustainability and enterprise, and highlighted the contributions of the Indian community in Israel and the Jewish diaspora in India.

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Reaffirming a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, he conveyed condolences for the October 7 terror attack and backed durable peace, including support for the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council. He called for deeper engagement under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and I2U2 frameworks, welcomed the conclusion of the Bilateral Investment Treaty and urged early finalisation of a Free Trade Agreement.

Drawing parallels between “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “Tikkun Olam,” he thanked Knesset members for their role in strengthening ties and conveyed greetings for the upcoming festival of Purim.