Prime Minister Modi accorded Guard of Honour; set to address Israeli Parliament
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for his two-day state visit to Israel, receiving a ceremonial welcome and a personal greeting from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport.
Calling himself “extremely honoured” by the reception, PM Modi described the visit as an opportunity to further deepen India-Israel ties.
Warm embrace signals strong ties
In a gesture reflecting the close personal bond between the two leaders, Netanyahu — accompanied by his wife Sara Netanyahu — personally received PM Modi on arrival. The two leaders exchanged a warm hug on the tarmac, underlining the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
PM Modi was accorded a Guard of Honour at the airport.
Sharing a video of the arrival on X, Netanyahu wrote, “Welcome to Israel my dear friend @narendramodi,” alongside Indian and Israeli flags and a “Namaste” emoji — a post widely seen as symbolic of the strong bilateral relationship.
Welcome to Israel my dear friend @narendramodi 🇮🇱🙏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/AnRtceD9Ci
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 25, 2026
Strategic partnership in focus
Ahead of his departure, PM Modi highlighted the “robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership” between India and Israel, noting the remarkable growth in cooperation across defence, agriculture, technology, water management and innovation.
He said he looks forward to discussions with Netanyahu aimed at expanding collaboration across sectors.
The visit comes at Netanyahu’s invitation and is expected to further consolidate the strategic partnership.
Historic address to Israeli Parliament
During the visit, PM Modi will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and is scheduled to address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.
Ahead of the parliamentary address, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with Netanyahu.
President Herzog had earlier expressed eagerness for the visit, stating that the people of Israel look forward to welcoming the Indian leader.
Buzz in Jerusalem
In Jerusalem, anticipation was visible ahead of the high-profile visit. Tricolours adorned shopfronts, members of the Indian community prepared welcome gatherings, and excitement was palpable in areas with a significant Indian presence.
PM Modi’s arrival follows a six-hour flight to Tel Aviv, which reportedly became one of the most tracked flights globally on Wednesday.
The visit is expected to mark another milestone in the steadily expanding India-Israel partnership.
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