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Netanyahu Hails Modi as "Brother," Recalls Beach Walk in Historic Knesset Welcome

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Knesset with a deeply personal and emotional address. Netanyahu described Modi as a "dear friend" and "brother," recalling their informal moment on the Mediterranean coast during Modi's last visit. He highlighted the dramatic growth in bilateral ties, noting doubled trade and tripled cooperation since then. The visit is historic as Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament.

Key Points: Netanyahu Calls Modi "Brother" in Historic Knesset Welcome

  • Netanyahu gave emotional welcome
  • Called Modi a "friend" and "brother"
  • Recalled walking on Mediterranean coast
  • Highlighted doubled trade, tripled cooperation
  • Modi first Indian PM to address Knesset
2 min read

"A great leader on world stage...never been more moved than by your visit here": Netanyahu hails PM Modi in Knesset remarks

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu gave an emotional welcome to PM Narendra Modi at the Knesset, calling him a "dear friend" and "brother."

"I've never been more moved than by your visit here with us, a great friend of Israel... - Benjamin Netanyahu"

Jerusalem, February 25

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his address to the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, and described him as "a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage."

PM Netanyahu described PM Modi as "dear friend" and said he was deeply moved by the visit.

"I have to tell you, Narendra, my dear friend, I am deeply, deeply moved by your visit here today. I've never been more moved than by your visit here with us, a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage. Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and your distinguished delegation," he said.

"I would almost venture to say, more than a friend, a brother. Now, when you were last here, we, the two of us, were on the Mediterranean coast, and I said, why don't we take off our shoes and go into the water?... We didn't walk on water, but we did perform miracles since then. Because what we have done is we've doubled our trade, tripled our cooperation, quadrupled our understanding," he added.

Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, said it his privilege to welcome PM Modi.

"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.

On his arrival in the Parliament, PM Modi was welcomed with "Modi, Modi" chants and received a standing ovation.

PM Modi and his wife Sara Netanyahu attend official reception ceremony at the Knesset for PM Modi.

PM Modi earlier arrived in Tel Aviv on two-day visit to Israel.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"More than a friend, a brother" – what a beautiful sentiment from Netanyahu. The India-Israel relationship has grown so much, especially in agriculture and tech. This benefits our farmers and startups directly. Good diplomacy.
R
Rohit P
While the optics are great, I hope this strong partnership also translates into concrete benefits for the common Indian. Doubled trade is impressive, but let's ensure it creates jobs here and technology transfer happens.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in India, it's fascinating to see this alliance. The personal chemistry between the leaders seems genuine. The "walking on water" anecdote is quite something! Hope this friendship brings stability to the region.
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Karthik V
Jai Hind! First Indian PM to address the Knesset. This is historic. Our Prime Minister is received like a rockstar everywhere he goes. It fills every Indian's heart with pride. 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
Interesting development. India's foreign policy is walking a tightrope but managing key relationships with both Israel and Arab nations. The "Modi, Modi" chants abroad show his unique global appeal.

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