Right Before Purim, India and Israel Celebrate a Partnership of Hope

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a two day official visit; this morning (Thursday) he addressed a special session of the Knesset, underscoring India’s steadfast support for the Jewish state.

As Jews in Israel and around the world prepare to celebrate the holiday of Purim, the timing of Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit carries a resonance that reaches back into the pages of Scripture. The Book of Esther opens in the days of King Ahasuerus, who “reigned from India to Ethiopia,” presiding over a vast and diverse empire in which the Jewish people faced both peril and providential deliverance.

Now, on the eve of a festival that commemorates God’s hidden hand in history and the triumph over those who sought our destruction, the leader of modern India stands in Jerusalem in open friendship with the Jewish state, a living reminder of how dramatically our stories can move from peril to deliverance.

Modi in the Knesset

In his remarks before the plenum, Modi expressed solidarity with Israel in the wake of the October 7 massacre.

“I was born on the day that India officially recognized Israel,” he said. “I want to express, on behalf of India and its people, my sorrow for all the lives lost in the brutal attack by Hamas on October 7. We feel your pain and share your grief.”

In the Knesset guest book, he wrote: “It is an honor to be the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset. India and Israel share a deep commitment to freedom, pluralism, and the rule of law. Our shared values are the foundation of a strong and enduring partnership between our peoples. We will continue to work together to advance peace, innovation, and prosperity, and to contribute to a just, fair, and sustainable world.”

During the session, Modi was awarded the Knesset Medal, the highest honor the Israeli parliament can bestow, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening ties between India and Israel.

“An Iron Alliance of Moderate Nations”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Modi warmly.

“Welcome to the Knesset. It is always an emotional moment for all of us, and for me personally,” Netanyahu said. “My dear friend, I am very happy about the connection between India and Israel. Welcome to Jerusalem. I said ‘my friend,’ but these are not just words. You are more than a friend, you are a brother in many ways.”

Netanyahu declared that “Israel is stronger than ever, and India is stronger than ever. We will break the axis of evil.”

“India supports Israel, and Israel supports India. Israel, like India, is a fortress of democracy in a wild region,” he said. “Together we will build an iron alliance of nations that champion moderation, progress, and human dignity, an alliance of nations that sanctify life.”

Turning to Modi, Netanyahu added: “Immediately after the terrible massacre on October 7, you stood so clearly at Israel’s side. We will never forget that. Israel stands at the frontline against radical Islam. The lava spewed by this volcano of fanaticism spreads rapidly to every continent and every country. India, like Israel, has suffered terror attacks that have claimed the lives of innocent people.”

Netanyahu also announced that he and his wife Sara intend to return for a visit to India. “We will bring the entire government to India. Everyone wants to come!” he said.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana emphasized the historic nature of the visit. “It is a great honor for us to welcome the leader of the world’s largest democracy, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Narendra Modi. Namaste. For Prime Minister Modi, leadership is not merely the management of a state, but the inspiration of a nation.”

He noted that for more than two thousand years India gave Jews a home and refuge, even in their darkest hours, and that the ancient Jewish communities of India helped build the State of Israel and continue to enrich it with Indian culture, cuisine, and warmth. While diplomatic ties were established decades ago, he said, it was Modi and Netanyahu who forged a true strategic partnership.

“Our national anthem is called Hatikvah, ‘The Hope.’ Mr. Prime Minister, you have described the relationship between India and Israel as a partnership of hope. Hope is the hallmark of the bond between us,” Ohana said, adding that the Knesset building was illuminated in the colors of the Indian flag.

Personal Diplomacy and Strategic Agreements

Earlier in the day, Modi met privately with Netanyahu in his office, calling it an “excellent meeting” and expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, noting that he was pleased to return to Israel after nine years. He said the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening and strengthening bilateral relations.

“Areas such as technology, water management, agriculture, human capital cooperation, and more hold significant potential for expanding our collaboration,” Modi wrote, adding that they also held an in depth discussion on key regional developments.

During the visit, Modi kept his 106.2 million followers on X updated, frequently posting in Hebrew as well.

Following his Knesset address, Modi again posted: “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.”

Later this evening, the leaders attended a joint technology exhibition highlighting cooperation in water technology, precision agriculture, cyber, and innovation, followed by an official dinner. In a gesture of personal warmth, Netanyahu surprised Modi ahead of the dinner by wearing traditional Indian attire.

 

Modi also visited Yad Vashem, met with President Isaac Herzog, and with members of the Indian-Jewish community, as well as holding an expanded meeting with Netanyahu, at the conclusion of which a series of sixteen agreements in the fields of defense, technology, and economics were signed. After a farewell ceremony, Modi departed for India.

Thank you Israel, for the warmth and affection.

Deeply touched that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu personally came to the airport to see me off.

Confident that the India–Israel partnership will continue to reach new heights in the years to come.@netanyahu pic.twitter.com/TgGsIsXOJY

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2026

In Jerusalem, the visit is being described as one of the most significant diplomatic moves of the year, reflecting not only strategic cooperation but a close personal bond between two leaders who have turbocharged the relationship between their nations. From shared bondage to a Persian ruler in ancient times, two proud, independent countries now cement a relationship that looks forward to an era of friendship, cooperation and prosperity.