Knesset lights up in Indian tricolour for PM Modi’s Israel visit

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Jerusalem: In a symbolic gesture to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, the country’s parliament, the Knesset, was illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag. The tribute underscores the growing warmth in India-Israel relations during PM Modi’s two-day state visit.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana shared an image of the Israeli Parliament glowing in saffron, white and green, calling attention to the strengthening partnership between the two nations.

Knesset illuminates in tricolour

This marks PM Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years. During his landmark 2017 trip, bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership. Officials now indicate that the relationship is set to be upgraded further to a special strategic partnership, formalising cooperation that has deepened over time.

PM Modi’s Israel visit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised PM Modi for his steadfast support following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. “You are more than a friend — you are a brother,” Netanyahu said emotionally, thanking PM Modi for standing firmly with Israel during a difficult period.

The camaraderie between the two leaders was evident inside the Knesset, where they exchanged warm hugs and received repeated standing ovations from lawmakers. Referring to their greeting at the airport, Netanyahu remarked, “Today at the airport we embraced each other. It’s called a Modi hug. I want to return a hug here from every Knesset member. It represents the warmth between us.”

In a significant gesture, the Knesset awarded PM Modi the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal,” the parliament’s highest honour, recognising his role in strengthening and deepening strategic ties between India and Israel.

PM Modi has extended an invitation to Israeli President Isaac Herzog to visit India.

He also paid tribute to Holocaust victims at the Yad Vashem memorial.