Full Text: PM Narendra Modi’s Address to the Knesset, 25th February 2026, Jerusalem

His Excellency, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,
His Excellency, Mr. Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset,
His Excellency, Mr. Yair Lapid, Leader of the Opposition,
Hon’ble Members of the Knesset,

My dear sisters and brothers,
Shalom! Namaste!

It is a privilege and an honour for me to stand before this distinguished House. I do so as the Prime Minister of India, and also as a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another. I bring with me the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians, and a message of friendship, respect, and partnership. I thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your kind invitation and for your wonderful gesture of lighting up the Knesset in Indian colours. Your visit to India three years ago was the first by a Speaker of the Knesset. And thanks to you, I am the first Prime Minister of India to address this august gathering.

Nine years ago, I had the good fortune to be the first Prime Minister of India to visit Israel. And I am very happy to be here again, returning to a land to which I have always felt drawn. After all, I was born on the same day that India formally recognized Israel – September 17, 1950!

I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond.

No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, with no double standards.

Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development, and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That is why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.

(He went on to recount historical ties, civilisational links, cooperation in agriculture and technology, innovation partnerships, people-to-people connections like yoga and Ayurveda, and shared values expressed through festivals and philosophy.)

At the end of his address, he said:

“Let us ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Jai Hind.
Thank you.”