PM Modi Visits Yad Vashem During Israel Trip

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects at Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, during his two-day state visit to the country.

At the Hall of Remembrance, PM Modi stood alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in silence as prayers were recited in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The visit was described as solemn and reflective.

Yad Vashem, established in 1953, commemorates the six million Jews killed during World War II and serves as Israel’s central memorial to Holocaust victims.

Historic Address to the Knesset

Earlier, PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. In his speech, he emphasised the long-standing ties between India and Israel and highlighted shared democratic values.

Condemning terrorism, Modi referred to the October 7, 2023 attacks and expressed solidarity with Israel. “No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism,” he said, adding that India follows a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.

He also noted that India supports efforts aimed at achieving durable peace and regional stability, including initiatives endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.

Bilateral Talks and Strategic Cooperation

During the visit, Modi held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Discussions covered defence and security cooperation, technology partnerships, agriculture, water management, and innovation.

Defence collaboration is expected to remain a key pillar of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership. Economic engagement, including Free Trade Agreement negotiations and investment cooperation, also featured in the discussions.

Modi expressed confidence that the visit would help consolidate bilateral ties and set new strategic goals for the partnership.

Engagements and Public Reception

The visit drew significant public attention in Israel, including strong engagement on social media platforms. Modi was also conferred the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal,” described as one of Israel’s highest parliamentary honours.

The Prime Minister’s itinerary included participation in a technology and innovation exhibition, highlighting collaboration between the two nations in emerging sectors.

Regional Context

Regional developments in Gaza and broader West Asia were also part of the discussions between the two leaders. Modi stated that while the path to peace is not easy, India stands with Israel and the international community for dialogue, peace, and stability in the region.

This marks Modi’s second visit to Israel after his historic 2017 trip, which elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. The current visit is expected to further strengthen diplomatic, parliamentary and people-to-people ties.