'Always Felt Drawn': PM Modi Says He Was Born On Same Day India Formally Recognised I
'Always Felt Drawn': PM Modi Says He Was Born On Same Day India Formally Recognised Israel
M.U.H
26/02/202632
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Israeli Parliament on Wednesday that he has always felt drawn to Israel as he was born on the same day when India formally recognised Israel on September 17, 1950.
India officially recognised Israel in 1950, three years after Israel declared independence in 1948. However, India did not fully establish diplomatic ties, which happened on January 29, 1992, under Narasimha Rao’s government. It was a significant step given that India has historically supported the cause for an independent Palestinian state.
Addressing the Knesset, PM Modi said, “I am very happy to be here again, returning to a land to which I had always felt drawn. After all, I was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel – September 17, 1950."
During his Knesset speech, PM Modi condemned the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and reiterated India’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism. He also highlighted that Jewish communities have lived in India without fear and discrimination.
The Indian Prime Minister said he was committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows, and promoting joint infrastructure development with several countries, including Israel.
“My first visit to Israel was in 2006 as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Later in 2017, during my visit to Israel as Prime Minister, the two countries elevated the relationship to a strategic partnership. Since then, our engagement has expanded in scale and scope. And we are committed to further consolidate this relationship across many sectors," he said.
After his speech, PM Modi was conferred the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the highest recognition of the Israeli Parliament. The medal was awarded in recognition of the Prime Minister’s exceptional contribution, through his personal leadership, in strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel, highlighting the deepening partnership between the two nations.
PM Modi’s visit marks his second trip to Israel in his 10-year tenure as the Indian leader. PM Modi’s last visit to Israel was in 2017. He shared an “excellent" meeting with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday after his arrival, sharing that they discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties.
