Indian premier greeted at Knesset as PM jokes about unwieldy parliament

As they walk through the entrance of the Knesset, Netanyahu is heard joking with Modi about Israel’s complex political landscape, comparing India’s “thirty parties for a country of a billion and a half [people,] and [Israel’s] 13 parties for 10 million. You see the problem we have? You’re in better shape.” Modi laughs in response.

The Indian premier then pauses in the Chagall Hall to sign the Knesset’s official guestbook, earning applause from the surrounding crowd. Remaining in the hall, Netanyahu and Modi greet a group of enthusiastic children waving Israeli and Indian flags. The two leaders then continue into Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana’s office.

Members of the Indian delegation, as well as ambassadors and officials from other countries, begin to head to the plenary hall for the special session during which Modi will address the Knesset.