Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s strong and enduring support for Israel during his address to the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, declaring that India stands firmly with Israel “in this moment and beyond” while reiterating New Delhi’s uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms. His speech marked a significant diplomatic moment, as he became the first Indian head of government to address the Knesset, further deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
During the address, Modi expressed condolences on behalf of the Indian people for the victims of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which claimed more than 1,200 lives and triggered a major conflict in the region. He emphasised that no cause could ever justify the killing of civilians and underscored India’s own long experience with terrorism, recalling the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in which both Indian and Israeli citizens lost their lives. Drawing parallels between the two countries, he highlighted India’s consistent policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism without double standards.
The Prime Minister noted that terrorism aims to destabilise societies, obstruct development and erode trust among nations, stressing that combating it requires sustained global cooperation. He stated that instability in one region ultimately threatens peace worldwide and affirmed India’s support for international initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace and regional stability.
Highlighting the evolution of bilateral relations, Modi described India–Israel ties as historic and increasingly important in the current geopolitical environment. He recalled his earlier engagement with Israel, including his visit as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2006 and his landmark 2017 trip as Prime Minister, which made him the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel and elevated relations to the level of a strategic partnership. Since then, cooperation has expanded across defence, technology, agriculture, innovation and economic sectors.
Modi emphasised that strong defence collaboration between trusted partners is essential in an uncertain global security environment, particularly as both nations confront emerging strategic challenges. He also highlighted growing economic and technological cooperation, describing Israel as a global hub of innovation while pointing to India’s rapid economic growth and its emergence as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Israel across multiple domains in the years ahead.
