New Delhi, 26 February (H.S.): The burgeoning closeness and unshakeable trust between India and Israel have stunned the world, exemplified by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, which underscores not just trade ties but deep cultural affinity and mutual confidence.

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by wife Sara, personally welcomed Modi at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport—a rare honor. Their hug, dubbed the Modi Hug by global media, highlighted the rapport during Modi's two-day trip, complete with a special guard of honor.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the reception as special and heartwarming. This marks Modi's second Israel visit in nine years; he shared airport photos on X, feeling deeply honored and hopeful for stronger friendship.

PM Modi's address to the Knesset made him the first Indian PM to speak there. Lawmakers rose in thunderous applause, chanting Modi-Modi. Netanyahu called their bond a match made in heaven, praising Modi as a global leader.

Speaker Amir Ohana awarded him the Knesset Medal, dedicated to bilateral ties.

PM Modi emphasized ancient civilizational links alongside modern partnerships in tech, innovation, defense, security, agriculture, water, and rural development. He reiterated zero tolerance for terrorism, condoling the October 7 attacks, and urged peace via UN-backed Gaza initiatives, IMEC, and I2U2.

Indian-origin Jews waved Tricolors and Israeli flags, chanting I love my India, evoking patriotism. Modi planted a tree under 'One Tree in Mother's Name' at President Isaac Herzog's residence, explored education-tech ties, and invited Herzog to India. Herzog hailed joint strength on X.

PM Modi visited Yad Vashem, paying homage in the Book of Names Hall—his second trip there—honoring Holocaust victims.Israel remains key in India's strategic-tech realm, fostering deep cooperation in science, defense, and agriculture built on trust and shared priorities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar