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India PM | February 25, 2026: Your Essential Daily Briefing on India's Prime Minister
The India PM Newsletter for February 25, 2026 covers PM Modi calling for deeper India-Israel interaction in IMEC and I2U2 during Israeli Parliament address, being conferred ‘Medal of the Knesset’, holding talks with PM Benjamin Netanyahu, paying tribute at Israel War Memorial, highlighting importance of protecting roots, and condoling passing of CPI veteran Thiru R. Nallakannu.
NEWS IN DETAIL
PM Modi Calls For Deeper Interaction Between India And Israel In IMEC, I2U2
Becomes First Indian PM To Address Israeli Parliament
Says There Can Be No Justification For 'October 7 Brutality'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for deeper interaction between India and Israel in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor [IMEC] and the I2U2 framework.
He said this while addressing a Special Plenum of the Israeli Parliament –Knesset- in Jerusalem, first for an Indian Prime Minister.
“We will also work closely in different formats such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor and the I2U2 framework between India, Israel, the UAE and the US.”
I2U2 was formed in October 2021 to promote economic cooperation and regional stability.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s growth story and sought greater bilateral collaboration in the fields of trade, investment, infrastructure development, green growth, start-ups, digital solutions and emerging technologies, unlocking the innovation and creativity of the youth.
Expressing satisfaction at the conclusion of the Bilateral Investment Treaty, he called for early finalisation of an ambitious Free Trade Agreement to realise the untapped trade potential.
Terrorism & Gaza Peace
Prime Minister Modi reiterated the uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism of the two countries.
He offered condolences for the October 7 terror attack in Israel and said that there can be no justification for such brutality.
“I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on “October 7”. We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment, and beyond. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism.”
He offered India’s support to all efforts that contribute to durable peace and stability in the region.
In this context, PM Modi highlighted India’s firm support for the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council.
India, Israel Friendship
Highlighting the strong bonds of friendship between India and Israel, Prime Minister noted that the two peoples share both ancient civilizational ties and a robust contemporary partnership based on technology, innovation, defence, security and strategic convergences.
People-To-People Ties
PM Modi told Israeli lawmakers that the vibrant people-to-people ties based on cooperation in agriculture, rural development, water management, sustainability and enterprise have imparted a dynamic outlook to the relationship.
Underlining the historical connections and two-way movement of people between the two countries, Prime Minister Modi stated that the Indian community in Israel and the Jewish diaspora in India have made significant contribution to progress in both countries.
The Prime Minister also called for greater parliamentary interaction between the two vibrant democracies taking advantage of the recently formed Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel in India.
Civilisational Ethos
Drawing parallels between the ethos of the two civilizations, Prime Minister Modi noted that India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam [the world is one family] and the Israeli principle of Tikkum Olam [healing the world] speak of shared approaches towards a harmonious society.
He thanked the members of the Knesset for their contribution to India-Israel ties and conveyed good wishes for the upcoming festival of Purim.
Rousing Welcome At Knesset
Ahead of his historic address, PM Modi was warmly greeted by a group of enthusiastic children waving Indian and Israeli flags. He smiled, interacted briefly with them, and waved back, delighting the young supporters and symbolizing the bright future of bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Modi received a rousing welcome upon his arrival at the Knesset, including applause, standing ovation, and, chants of “Modi, Modi!” from Israeli lawmakers.
Israeli Parliament’s Speaker Amir Ohana welcomed Prime Minister Modi with full ceremonial honours.
In a heartfelt gesture, he greeted PM Modi with a “Namaste” followed by a resounding “Jai Hind!” that echoed through the chamber, symbolising deep respect and an unbreakable bond between India and Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Leader of Opposition Yair Lapid; and Speaker Ohana spoke in the Plenary ahead of Prime Minister’s address, expressing strong bipartisan support for India-Israel ties.
Israeli PM Receives PM Modi At Airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on February 25, 2026, on a State Visit. In a special gesture, on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, he was received by the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu.
The arrival ceremony featured a formal Guard of Honour presented by the Israeli Defense Forces, underscoring the high-level protocol accorded to the visiting leader.
The event included an official welcome reception, with the two prime ministers exchanging greetings.
Vibrant Welcome At Hotel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a vibrant and culturally rich welcome from the Indian diaspora upon arriving at hotel in Jerusalem shortly after his official reception at Ben Gurion Airport.
Hundreds of people of Indian origin gathered outside the iconic luxury hotel, waving Indian tricolours, holding portraits of the Prime Minister, and displaying welcoming placards.
The atmosphere came alive with energetic folk dances and traditional performances, blending classical and regional styles that showcased India’s vibrant heritage. Cheers echoed as he emerged.
PM Modi briefly interacted with the performers and the enthusiastic crowd, exchanging greetings and smiles before official engagements.
PM Modi Conferred ‘Medal Of The Knesset’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the ‘Medal of the Knesset’ by Speaker of the Knesset, MK Amir Ohana (Likud).
This is a new honorary decoration on behalf of the Knesset and its Speaker, expressing appreciation and recognition for individuals and organizations for their significant contribution to the State of Israel and the Jewish people, and for their efforts to advance the Knesset’s core values.
The medal was awarded to Prime Minister Modi after he addressed the Knesset plenum.
The Knesset in a statement said: The committee that selected Prime Minister Modi to be the first recipient of the medal stated that he “significantly strengthened ties between India and Israel and deepened strategic cooperation between the countries. During his tenure, cooperation in the fields of security and technology expanded, including joint security technological developments, innovation and cyber... He worked to deepen the political and cultural relationship, and strengthened Israel’s position as India’s central partner in the Middle East”.
PM Modi now stands out as a rare world leader who has received top honours from both Israel and Palestine.
In 2018, he was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest Palestinian honour for foreign leaders.
PM Modi Holds Talks With Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a tete-a-tete with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Fattal Lounge of the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
Earlier, Benjamin Netanyahu along with his wife Sara Netanyahu received the Indian Prime Minister at the airport.
The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of the India-Israel bilateral relations and discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as water management, agriculture, technology and more.
Prime Minister Modi said in a social media post that he had an excellent meeting with Mr Netanyahu. Key areas of focus during their discussion included technology, water resource management, agriculture, cooperation in human capital development and other sectors with significant potential to expand collaboration.
Prime Minister Modi said they also held an in-depth conversation on major developments in the region.
PM Modi Pays Tribute At Israel War Memorial
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a solemn tribute at Israel’s national war memorial during his landmark two-day state visit.
Accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Modi laid a wreath and observed a moment of silence to honor fallen Israeli soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation. The poignant ceremony, held amid strengthening bilateral ties, underscored shared values of courage, resilience, and commitment to security. PM Modi also signed the visitor’s book.
PM Highlights Importance Of Protecting Roots
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a Sanskrit verse on X, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting the fundamental roots of wisdom and daily discipline.
The verse shared by the Prime Minister reads:
विप्रो वृक्षस्तस्य मूलं च सन्ध्या वेदाः शाखा धर्मकर्माणि पत्रम्।
तस्मान्मूलं यत्नतो रक्षणीयं छिन्ने मूले नैव शाखा न पत्रम्॥
“A wise person is like a tree. The root of that tree of knowledge is daily worship. The Vedas are its branches, and good deeds are its leaves. Therefore, the root must be carefully protected, because if the root is destroyed, neither the branches nor the leaves will survive.”
PM Condoles Passing Away Of CPI Veteran Thiru R. Nallakannu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the passing away of CPI veteran Thiru R. Nallakannu, saying that he will be remembered for his grassroots connect and efforts to give voice to the underprivileged, workers and farmers.
In his message, Mr Modi said the CPI leader was widely respected by people from every section of society and his simplicity was noteworthy.
The Prime Minister said that his thoughts are with his family and admirers during this time.