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On March 2, 2026, the historic visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel was accompanied by an emotional and moving speech in the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), in which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave glowing accolades to Modi and the India-Israel relationship.

Netanyahu told PM Modi, the only second Indian leader to speak in the Knesset, after Atal Bihari Vajpayee, that he is not a friend but the voice of the Global South: he is a brother. India and Israel have also established a relationship of trust, values, shared goals, and shared fate under his leadership.

Netanyahu has mentioned some milestones: the defense cooperation (such as Barak missiles, Heron drones, and joint projects), the collaboration with technologies (cybersecurity, agriculture, and water management), and the constant Indian support of Israel at the international forums. He also remembered personal instances, such as when Modi went to Israel in 2017, the first visit of an Indian PM there, and the subsequent meetings they have been having since.

There was much applause in the Knesset when Netanyahu said that: In the world of uncertainty, India, led by Narendra Modi, is a tower of stability, democracy, and ethical clarity. Israel boasts of India as a real brother.

Demonstrably overcome, PM Modi answered briefly in the House: Israel and India share common history, common challenges, and common hopes. In the future, we will make our future even better.

The speech was then succeeded by a formal dinner hosted at the home of the prime minister, where the two leaders renewed their vows to enhance their relationship in the fields of defense, semiconductors, AI, and green energy. Netanyahu also gave Modi a replica of a Torah scroll and a model of ancient Jerusalem.

It has been highly circulated online in both nations on social media using the hashtags ModiInIsrael and BrotherModi. Analysts view it as a potent image of the strategic and personal connection between the two executives in such a dire world.

With the visit of Modi still in progress as the leader meets with the leaders of defense deals and cultural engagements, the phrase of Netanyahu, "more than a friend, a brother," has turned out to be the highlight of this trip.