Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a car ride on Wednesday after delivering speeches at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. The two leaders were en route to a technology exhibition highlighting advancements and innovation, following their official engagements at the parliament.Israeli PM Netanyahu shared the picture and wrote in Hindi, “हम साथ आगे बढ़ रहे हैं-और तकनीक व नवाचार में भारत-इज़राइल साझेदारी को और मजबूत बना रहे हैं।” (We are moving forward together—and strengthening the India-Israel partnership in technology and innovation.”)Earlier, PM Modi addressed the Knesset and interacted with its members, emphasising the longstanding friendship between India and Israel. He highlighted the strong goodwill shared by the people of India toward the people of Israel.“It’s been an honour to address the Knesset. It was also a delight to interact with distinguished members of the Knesset. My address covered the deep-rooted friendship between our nations and the goodwill of the people of India towards the people of Israel,” PM Modi said through a post on X.The Knesset on Wednesday conferred the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal”, its highest honour, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The award was presented in recognition of his “exceptional contribution through his personal leadership” in strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel. It was conferred following his address to the Israeli Parliament.“Long before we related to each other as modern States, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times,” PM Modi said in his speech addressing the parliament. PM Modi said the foundation of the India–Israel partnership lies in the strong bonds between their people.Recalling his 2006 visit to Israel, he noted that yoga had since gained widespread popularity across the country, with centres now common in many neighbourhoods. He also observed growing interest in Ayurveda and encouraged young Israelis to visit India to experience its cultural vibrancy and traditions of holistic wellness.The strongest applause from those present came when Benjamin Netanyahu recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unequivocal condemnation of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and his expression of solidarity with Israel in its aftermath.“There is another reason for the love for you here in Israel: Right after the horrific attack on October 7, you supported Israel so morally. You didn’t flinch or waver, you stood by Israel and stood by the Jews. Thank you”, Netanyahu said.The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Netanyahu, marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second trip to Israel. His first, in 2017, was a landmark occasion as he became the first Indian prime minister to visit the country.
