Tel Aviv, February 25 (NationPress) Members of the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a standing ovation and a resounding round of applause as he made his entrance to deliver a historic address—the first-ever by an Indian Prime Minister.

Chants of 'Modi-Modi' echoed throughout the Knesset as PM Modi arrived for the official reception ceremony alongside his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaker Amir Ohana extended a warm welcome by saying, "Mr. Prime Minister, Jerusalem me aapka swagat hai, Knesset me aapka swagat hai (Welcome to Jerusalem, Welcome to the Knesset)," in Hindi.

He referred to PM Modi as a "defining statesman of our times" during the ceremony.

Prior to this, PM Modi and Netanyahu held a private meeting at Ben-Gurion International Airport upon the Prime Minister's arrival for his two-day State Visit. The leaders engaged in discussions on various topics aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional issues.

Netanyahu was seen expressing, "This is a bond of real friendship. Great friend, my great friend," in a video shared by the Israeli Prime Minister's office.

After their meeting, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception, stating, "Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. It’s a pleasure to return to Israel after 9 years. We examined numerous topics that could strengthen our bilateral ties, focusing on sectors like technology, water management, agriculture, and talent partnership. Key developments in the region were also discussed,” he posted on X.

The 'private meeting' followed the special welcome from Netanyahu and First Lady Sara Netanyahu at the airport.

Netanyahu remarked, "You are a great leader" after exchanging a warm hug on the tarmac.

He also engaged in a light-hearted discussion with PM Modi, noting that the color of Modi's pocket square complemented Sara's saffron dress perfectly.

In a statement on X, Netanyahu expressed, "My wife Sara and I welcomed our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who is here for another historic visit to Israel. Prime Minister Modi last visited Israel in 2017, and I reciprocated with a visit to India that was extraordinary. We maintain a close personal relationship and frequently communicate, which reflects the deep friendship between our nations."

He added, "We have a festive reception planned at the Knesset, an innovation event in Jerusalem, and a joint dinner. Tomorrow, we’ll visit Yad Vashem and engage in another meeting with our teams to sign multiple agreements in economic, security, and diplomatic areas that will further enhance cooperation between Israel and India."

Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for the reception he received from Netanyahu and his wife at the airport, stating he anticipates productive discussions that will fortify the friendship between the two nations.

"Arrived in Israel. I'm deeply honored to be welcomed by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and achieving fruitful outcomes that enhance India-Israel friendship," PM Modi noted on X.

His last visit to Israel was in 2017, a journey that paved new paths for cooperation in defense, agriculture, and water management. Netanyahu also welcomed PM Modi at the airport during that visit.