Jerusalem, Feb. 25 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination, have preserved their faith and participated fully in society and this record "is a source of pride for us".

Addressing the Israeli Parliament, PM Modi said that in India, there is great admiration for Israel's resolve, courage, and achievements.

"Long before we related to each other as modern States, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times. Jewish merchants travelled across sea routes that connected the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean. They came seeking o...