Tel Aviv, February 25 – Members of the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, gave a standing ovation and a huge round of applause to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday as he arrived at Israel's House of Representatives to deliver a landmark address – the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister.
Chants of "Modi-Modi" echoed through the Knesset as Prime Minister Modi arrived to attend the official reception ceremony along with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Mr. Prime Minister, welcome to Jerusalem, welcome to the Knesset," Speaker Amir Ohana said in Hindi while welcoming Prime Minister Modi to the Israeli Parliament.
He also described Prime Minister Modi as the "defining statesman of our times."
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi held a private meeting with Netanyahu at Ben-Gurion International Airport shortly after his arrival in the country on a two-day state visit. The two leaders discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties, as well as regional issues.
"This is a bond of genuine friendship. A great friend, my great friend," Netanyahu was seen saying while meeting with Prime Minister Modi, as captured in a video shared by the Israeli Prime Minister's office.
"I had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. I expressed my gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, and talent partnerships offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region," Prime Minister Modi posted on X after the meeting.
The "private meeting" between the two leaders took place after Netanyahu and First Lady Sara Netanyahu welcomed Prime Minister Modi at Ben-Gurion airport in a special gesture.
"You are a great leader," said Netanyahu after the two leaders exchanged a warm hug on the tarmac.
The Israeli Prime Minister also engaged in an animated conversation with Prime Minister Modi, highlighting that the colour of Prime Minister Modi's pocket square perfectly matched Sara's saffron dress.
"My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel. Prime Minister Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, and I later paid a reciprocal visit to India that was truly exceptional. We share a close personal relationship, speak often, and I believe that the deep friendship between us powerfully reflects on the ties between our two countries," Netanyahu posted on X.
"We will attend a festive reception at the Knesset, visit an innovation event in Jerusalem, and host Prime Minister Modi for a joint dinner. Tomorrow we will visit Yad Vashem, and afterwards hold another meeting together with our teams, during which we will sign a series of agreements in the economic, security, and diplomatic spheres that will further advance cooperation between Israel and India," he added.
Prime Minister Modi stated that he is honoured to have been received by Israeli counterpart and his wife at the airport and is looking forward to holding talks and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the friendship between two nations.
"I have landed in Israel. I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship," Prime Minister Modi posted on X.
Prime Minister Modi last visited Israel in 2017, a trip which opened new avenues in defence, agriculture, and water management cooperation between the two countries. Netanyahu had also welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the airport in 2017.
