Netanyahu breaks protocol for PM Modi; Indian PM all set to address Knesset

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu will sign defence and technology agreements after a bilateral meeting at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem on Thursday. The two leaders will also issue a joint statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who landed at Ben Gurion Airport at 12.45 pm local time on Wednesday, was received at the airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who broke protocol. Netanyahu's wife, Sara, was also present. The Prime Minister was received by a guard of honour from the Israeli army.

The two Prime Ministers then briefly discussed topical issues at the airport. PM Modi said in an interview that his visit to Israel after nine years would strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries. It is reported that the prime minister will discuss an array of issues with Netanyahu. The two countries will soon enhance cooperation in areas such as technology, water resources management, agriculture, and human resources cooperation.

The Prime Minister watched Indian cultural performances, including Thiruvathirakkali, before leaving to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, at 4.30 pm local time. Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset. Other world leaders who have addressed the Knesset include US President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Argentine President Javier Milei.

In the evening, the two leaders also attended an event where they discussed quantum computing and AI. Netanyahu hosted a dinner for Modi at Jerusalem's King David Hotel. On Thursday morning, Prime Minister Modi will visit the Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem.