JERUSALEM — On the second day of his historic state visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a somber and reflective tribute at Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Modi stood in silent contemplation in the Hall of Remembrance as the traditional Kaddish prayer was recited to honour the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis. The visit to the memorial, which was established in 1953, served as a poignant reminder of the shared values of peace, humanity, and the preservation of historical truth that underpin the modern relationship between the two nations.
Earlier on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Prime Minister explored Israel’s vibrant innovation sector at a dedicated exhibition in Jerusalem. Showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and healthcare, the exhibition provided a platform for PM Modi to urge Israeli companies to invest in India and collaborate with local talent. This focus on technological synergy is a key driver of the “Make in India” initiative and reflects the growing importance of high-tech cooperation in the bilateral strategic framework.
The visit to Yad Vashem follows an exceptionally momentous first day during which the Israeli Parliament conferred its highest honour, the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal,” upon Prime Minister Modi. This distinction was awarded in recognition of his personal leadership in fundamentally strengthening the bond between India and Israel. During his address to the Knesset, which was met with a standing ovation and rapturous applause, the Prime Minister highlighted that the ties between the two peoples go back more than two thousand years, referencing the mention of India as “Hodu” in the Book of Esther and ancient trade links recorded in the Talmud.
A significant portion of the Prime Minister’s message focused on the long-standing record of religious tolerance in India, where he noted that Jewish communities have lived without fear of persecution or discrimination for centuries. Looking toward the future, PM Modi highlighted the growing popularity of Yoga and Ayurveda across Israel and extended a warm invitation to young Israelis to travel to India. By blending historic remembrance with a forward-looking technological and cultural agenda, the Prime Minister’s visit has successfully solidified the multi-dimensional and enduring partnership between the two democracies.
