Excitement in diaspora before PM Modi’s visit to Israel, message of ‘heart is still Indian'”

Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Israel, the excitement and enthusiasm among the diaspora in Israel is clearly visible. For Jews of Indian origin, Modi’s visit is a sign of further deepening of the historical and strategic ties between the two countries.

Let us tell you, members of the Indian community in Israel expressed pride in their dual identity. Members of the community, who have been settled in Israel for many years, consider Modi’s visit a turning point, saying, “We have been in Israel for many years, but our hearts are still Indian.” Speaking to the media, a member said, “We are associated with the Indian Embassy and we are proud that Prime Minister Modi has such a good relationship with Israel.”

At the same time, the diaspora also emphasized the shared security and strategic vision between the two countries, especially in the context of regional challenges. One member said, “India and Israel should build a very strong friendship. We have to learn from Israel regarding Pakistan issues.”

Efforts to save Indian Jewish heritage in Israel were also discussed. Joshua Moses Benjamin’s daughter, Ruth Greenfield, said they were building an Indian-Jewish Heritage Centre. “We are preserving the Indian-Jewish heritage here in Israel because we have a proud heritage. We are from the Bene-Israel community of Delhi and we can never forget India,” Greenfield said.

Let us tell you, in the context of his upcoming visit, Prime Minister Modi said, “At the invitation of my dear friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I will pay a state visit to Israel on 25-26 February 2026.” Pointing to the growing partnership and development in the relations between the two countries, he said that his visit will strengthen science and technology, agriculture, water management, defense and security, trade and investment as well as people-to-people ties.

Let us tell you, Prime Minister Modi also said that he will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and will be the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. “It will be an honor and will symbolize the strong democratic and parliamentary relations between our two countries,” he said.

At the same time, this visit of Prime Minister Modi can prove to be an important step in deepening the cooperation between India and Israel, exploring new opportunities and taking the relations between the two countries to new heights.