PM Modi’s Historic Israel Visit: First Indian Leader to Address the Knesset Plenum

Honorable Prime Minster of India Narendra Modi is set to become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset plenum during his two-day Israel visit 2026 beginning February 25. This visit described as the “historic” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marks a new milestone in India Israel relations. During the trip, Modi will hold high-level talks with Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, further strengthening cooperation in security, innovation, and regional affairs.

Narendra Modi to Address Knesset Plenum for the First Time

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset plenum.
• The special parliamentary session is scheduled for 5:00 PM local time during his visit on February 25, 2026.
• This will be Modi’s second visit to Israel, following his landmark 2017 trip that elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
• Addressing the Knesset symbolizes deepening diplomatic engagement and reflects the growing importance of India Israel relations on the global stage.

High-Level Talks with Benjamin Netanyahu and Isaac Herzog

• During the Israel visit 2026, Narendra Modi will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
• At that time Netanyahu has called the visit “historic” highlighting expanding cooperation in various areas like innovation, security, defence technology, agriculture and regional stability.
• Netanyahu also emphasized his personal rapport with Modi, recalling their previous meetings and mutual visits.
• The leaders are expected to discuss Middle East security dynamics, technology collaboration and trade expansion between India and Israel.

Detailed Programme at the Knesset Plenum

• The official programme at the Knesset reflects ceremonial and diplomatic importance.
• The visit will begin at 16:30 with an official welcome ceremony in the Weil Courtyard, attended by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and their spouses.
• Modi will then sign the guestbook in the Chagall State Hall at 16:35, followed by a joint photograph session.
• At 17:00, a special plenary session will be held in his honour.
• Key speakers will include Amir Ohana, Netanyahu, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid and Narendra Modi himself.

India Israel Relations: Strategic and Political Significance

• India Israel relations have grown significantly since formal diplomatic ties were established in 1992.
• Over the past decade, cooperation has expanded in multiple sectors.
• India is one of Israel’s major defense partners, while Israel supports India with advanced agricultural and water management technologies.
• The Knesset address strengthens symbolic and political trust between the two democracies.

The visit also underscores India’s balanced West Asia policy, maintaining relations with Israel as well as Arab nations.

Overview: The Knesset and Its Role

• The Knesset is Israel’s unicameral parliament, consisting of 120 members.
• It functions as the legislative authority of Israel and plays a central role in forming governments and passing laws.
• The Prime Minister must command majority support within the Knesset to govern effectively.
• Plenary sessions are formal meetings where major debates, speeches, and votes take place.
• Addressing the Knesset plenum is considered a high diplomatic honor for visiting world leaders.

Question

Q. Narendra Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address which body?

A) Israeli Supreme Court
B) United Nations General Assembly
C) Knesset Plenum
D) European Parliament