Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reaffirmed India’s position on the Gaza conflict, emphasising that humanity should never become a casualty of war and that lasting peace must remain the central objective of global efforts. Speaking during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel, Modi stated that the Gaza Peace Plan, endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, offers a viable pathway toward stability and reconciliation in the region. He reiterated that India fully supports initiatives aimed at dialogue and peaceful resolution and will continue engaging with all nations to promote cooperation and diplomacy.
Highlighting India’s consistent approach, Modi said the country stands firmly on the side of peace while also maintaining a strong stance against terrorism. He noted that while conflicts are complex and the path to resolution is often challenging, sustained dialogue and international cooperation remain essential to achieving long-term stability. The Prime Minister stressed that India believes the Gaza Peace Initiative holds the potential to deliver a just and durable peace by addressing broader regional concerns, including the Palestinian issue.
During his earlier address to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, Modi had similarly underscored the importance of balancing security concerns with humanitarian priorities. He condemned the October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas while reiterating that terrorism anywhere in the world threatens peace everywhere. According to Modi, global efforts must be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity to ensure that political conflicts do not continue to inflict suffering on civilians.
At the joint press briefing, Modi and Netanyahu also reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism, declaring that violent extremism cannot be accepted in any form. The leaders agreed that India and Israel would continue strengthening cooperation in counterterrorism efforts and work together against organisations and networks that support or enable terrorism.
The visit also produced several agreements aimed at expanding collaboration across multiple sectors, including artificial intelligence, education, cybersecurity, and technological innovation. Modi’s two-day visit marked his second trip to Israel as Prime Minister, following his landmark visit in 2017, and included his historic address to the Knesset, making him the first Indian leader to speak before the Israeli legislature.
Adding a personal touch to the diplomatic engagement, Netanyahu shared a light-hearted anecdote during the press conference, recalling that one of his earliest dates with his wife, Sara Netanyahu, took place at an Indian restaurant in Tel Aviv run by Reena Pushkarna. He described the experience fondly, praising Indian cuisine and remarking that it left a lasting impression on both of them. The exchange reflected the warm tone of the visit, which combined strategic discussions with gestures highlighting the cultural and personal connections between India and Israel.
