PM Modi interacts with Indian-origin Jews in Israel, lauds their ‘deep-rooted’ India connection

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with members of the Indian-origin Jewish community on Thursday, February 27, 2026, and described their “remarkable contribution” to Israel as a “living bridge” between the two countries.

Editorial | Taking sides: On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel

According to the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv, there are approximately 85,000 Jews of Indian origin in Israel by 2023.

“We interacted with members of the Indian Jewish community. Their deep-rooted ties with India and outstanding contributions to Israel serve as a living bridge between our two nations,” Mr. Modi said in a post on X after meeting and interacting with prominent members of the Indian-origin Jewish community.

Describing the community as “vibrant”, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “Their enduring ties with India, traditions passed down through generations, and significant contributions to Israel serve as a vibrant bridge between our countries.” he said. “Their stories of warmth and shared heritage reflect the spirit of India-Israel friendship,” MEA said in a post on X.

Among those who met with Mr. Modi was Dr. Dr., a council member in Ashkelon, about 75 km southwest of Jerusalem. Riki Shahi was also present and described the prime minister as someone who “does a lot for the people and we can see that in his actions.”

“He doesn’t talk much, but he does a lot,” said Shahi, the daughter of a family from Baroda. He said that he started the ‘Twin Cities’ program between Baroda and Ashkelon.

Born in Manipur, HR manager Isaac Thangjon came to Israel about five years ago. “Prime Minister Modi’s visit is nothing short of ‘wonderful’,” he said.

Referring to the movement in the Israeli government’s proposal to bring all the remaining 5,800 Jews from India’s north-eastern region, commonly referred to as Bnei Menashe, over the next five years, he said, “The stars are aligning themselves and things are looking very good.” “I hope Prime Minister Modi will take the Israel-India relationship to higher levels,” he said.

On Wednesday, February 25, Mr Modi witnessed what he called an “unforgettable” performance of the song ‘I Love My India’, in which a troupe of Divyang artists brought together Jews of Indian origin and Israeli citizens.

“This beautifully celebrates the shared heritage and enduring ties between India and Israel!” he later said in a post on X.

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi, in his speech to the Knesset, recognized the vibrant Indian-Jewish community in Israel and underlined the tremendous contributions of this community in the fields of education, culture, public life and national service.

According to the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv, the main wave of immigration from India to Israel occurred in the 1950s and 1960s.

The majority come from Maharashtra (Bene Israelites) and comparatively smaller numbers from Kerala (Cochini Jews) and Kolkata (Baghdadi Jews). According to the Indian Embassy, ​​some Indian Jews from Mizoram and Manipur (Bnei Menache) have been migrating to Israel in recent years.