New Delhi, 26 February (H.S.): In a landmark moment for India-Israel relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi etched his name in history books today by becoming the first Indian leader to address a Special Plenary of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem.

Upon arriving at the iconic Knesset,PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome from Speaker H.E. Amir Ohana. The session brimmed with bipartisan enthusiasm, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, and Speaker Ohana preceded Modi's speech with resounding endorsements of the deepening India-Israel partnership.Grateful for the unprecedented honor,PM Modi dedicated the prestigious Speaker of the Knesset medal to the timeless friendship and shared democratic ethos binding the two nations. He wove a tapestry of ancient civilizational links with modern synergies in technology, innovation, defense, security, and strategic alignment.

PM Modi spotlighted vibrant people-to-people exchanges in agriculture, rural development, water management, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, crediting the Indian community in Israel and Jewish diaspora in India for propelling bilateral progress.

With unwavering resolve, PM Modi reaffirmed both countries' zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, extending heartfelt condolences for the October 7 atrocities and underscoring that such barbarity defies justification. India pledged steadfast support for regional peace initiatives, including the UN Security Council-backed Gaza Peace Initiative, while advocating intensified collaboration via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and I2U2 frameworks.

PM Modi showcased India's meteoric rise, urging amplified ties in trade, investment, infrastructure, green growth, startups, digital innovation, and frontier technologies to harness youth ingenuity.

He hailed the newly inked Bilateral Investment Treaty and pressed for swift conclusion of a bold Free Trade Agreement to tap vast untapped commerce.Championing democratic dialogue, PM Modi proposed enhanced parliamentary exchanges through India's nascent Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel. He drew profound parallels between India's Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world as one family – and Israel's Tikkun Olam – repairing the world – as twin philosophies fostering global harmony.

In closing, PM Modi thanked Knesset members for nurturing these ties and extended Purim greetings. The full address is accessible via official channels. This visit not only cements strategic alliances but heralds a new era of prosperity amid shared aspirations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar