Indian Prime Minister Modi visits Israel and addresses its parliament

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel and became the first Indian prime minister to address the Knesset, Israel's parliament. During his speech, Modi said India stands 'firmly with full conviction' with Israel and stated that 'terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere.'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted Modi and called him a 'brother,' thanking him for standing by Israel. Modi was awarded the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal,' Israel's highest parliamentary honor. Netanyahu also discussed a proposed 'Hexagon Alliance' of countries, which he suggested could include India.

The visit drew criticism from India's main opposition party, the Congress party, which said it diminished India's moral standing. Some members of Israel's political opposition also boycotted parts of the visit, though they reportedly returned for Modi's speech.