JERUSALEM, Feb. 25, 2026 (ANI): Celebrating the exceptional personal chemistry and diplomatic synergy between the two nations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed his Indian counterpart at the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, describing the relationship as a “wondrous friendship, both personally between the two of us and between our two countries and our peoples.”
The leader shared a heartfelt reflection on the reception earlier in the day at the airport.
“Earlier today, my wife Sara and I greeted you at the airport. And just as you came down the steps, we embraced each other. Prime Minister Modi’s personal embrace is something special. It’s called the Modi hug. It’s well known around the world. And when you hug someone closely, truly, you know it’s not an act. It’s a real thing. It’s called the Modi hug,” Netanyahu said while addressing the Knesset.
Emphasizing that this gesture carries deep symbolic weight for the bilateral bond, he added, “So I want to return the hug here to every single one of the Knesset members, and it’s not only an indication of the personal relations, of the personal friendship between us, but it really reflects the warmth of the tie between our two peoples.”
Characterizing the strategic strength of the two democracies, Netanyahu said, “India is a gigantic power of almost one and a half billion people. Israel is somewhat smaller, but Israel is gigantic too. I want to say that the alliance between us is an enormous multiplier of our individual powers, an enormous multiplier. It’s a multiplier of spirit and a multiplier of deeds and capabilities.”
Netanyahu also expressed gratitude for India’s support following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in southern Israel, in which more than 1,000 Israelis were killed. Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, “You stood next to Israel, you stood by Israel, you stood for Israel, you stood for the truth. Thank you, my friend.”
Netanyahu, who described Modi as “more than a friend, a brother,” said the two nations share common interests and have witnessed significant growth in trade and cooperation in recent years.
Welcoming his “dear friend” to the parliament, Netanyahu said he had “never been more moved” by the visit of his Indian counterpart. He described Modi as “a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Israeli-Indian alliance, and a great leader on the world stage,” adding, “Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and your distinguished delegation.”
Joining in the historic reception, entity[“people”,”Amir Ohana”,”speaker of knesset”], Speaker of the Knesset, said it was his privilege to welcome the Indian leader.
“Today, it is my great privilege as Speaker of the Knesset to welcome him as the first Prime Minister of India to address the Knesset and to make history once again. Thank you, Prime Minister Modi,” he said.
The significance of the moment was evident upon Modi’s arrival at the parliament, where he was welcomed with chants of “Modi, Modi” and received a standing ovation.
Earlier, Prime Minister Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara Netanyahu, attended the official reception ceremony at the Knesset for Modi, following his arrival in Tel Aviv for a two-day state visit to Israel. (ANI)
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