Modi addresses Knesset in historic 2026 Israel visit, strengthens strategic ties

Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for a historic two-day state visit, his second trip to the country since 2017. The visit is aimed at deepening the India-Israel strategic partnership across defense, technology, trade, and innovation, while also drawing attention amid ongoing regional tensions.

Historic address at the Knesset

In a landmark moment, Modi became the first Indian prime minister to address the Knesset. Speaking before Israeli lawmakers on Wednesday evening, he received a standing ovation and delivered a firm message against terrorism, stating that “nothing can justify terrorism,” with a specific reference to the October 7, 2023, attacks.

During the ceremony, the Speaker of the Knesset conferred upon him the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the parliament’s highest honor, in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

High-level bilateral engagements

The Indian Prime Minister held one-on-one and delegation-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Discussions covered defense cooperation, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and trade expansion.

Modi is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog during the visit. A key focus of the discussions is a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Notably, the first round of FTA negotiations commenced in New Delhi concurrently with the prime minister's visit, signaling intent to accelerate economic collaboration.

Expanding strategic cooperation

Both sides reviewed cooperation in sectors including water management, agriculture technology, innovation partnerships, and digital transformation. India and Israel have steadily strengthened defense and technology ties over the past decade, with collaboration expanding into emerging technologies such as AI and cybersecurity.

The visit also includes a scheduled stop at Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

Criticism and regional context

The visit has drawn domestic and international criticism, particularly in light of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. In India, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) issued a statement opposing the visit, while the Congress party raised concerns over diplomatic protocol and the timing of the announcement.

International observers and some political groups have also questioned the deepening of ties amid allegations related to the Gaza conflict. Critics argue that the visit comes at a sensitive time in the region.

India’s stance on peace

Addressing lawmakers at the Knesset, Modi reiterated India’s support for a Gaza peace initiative and emphasized that “the road to peace is not always easy.” He affirmed India’s commitment to a “just and durable peace” in the region, balancing strategic cooperation with calls for stability and dialogue.

Visit summary

Date: February 25–26, 2026
Venues: Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (Knesset, Yad Vashem)
Status: In progress (Knesset address delivered on February 25)
Main objective: Strengthening the India-Israel Strategic Partnership
Official reference: Ministry of External Affairs visit briefing

The visit marks a significant diplomatic milestone in India-Israel relations, combining symbolic gestures, strategic negotiations, and regional diplomacy at a pivotal moment in West Asian geopolitics.