Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 25th February, delivered a strong and clear message of solidarity with Israel, firmly reaffirming India’s support for the country during a difficult period. Speaking during his official visit to Israel, the Prime Minister underlined the depth of friendship between the two nations. He stressed that India and Israel share not only diplomatic ties but also common values, security concerns, and growing cooperation in defence, trade, and technology.

Addressing members of the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, Modi described the India-Israel relationship as both historic and strategic. He said that at a time when the world is facing uncertainty, violence, and conflict, partnerships built on trust and shared principles become even more important. According to him, the bond between the two countries goes beyond formal agreements. It reflects a shared understanding of challenges and a mutual commitment to progress and peace.

Clear and Firm Stand Against Terror

A significant portion of the Prime Minister’s address focused on the issue of terrorism. Referring directly to the October 7, 2023 attack carried out by Hamas on Israeli civilians, Modi expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

“We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond,” he said, making India’s position unmistakably clear.

The October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people. Civilians were targeted during a local festival, turning what should have been a day of celebration into one of the deadliest tragedies the region has witnessed in recent years. The violence that followed led to a prolonged and intense conflict.

Modi left no room for doubt about India’s stand. “No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism,” he said firmly. He repeated India’s long-standing policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and stressed that there must be no double standards in dealing with acts of terror. According to him, the fight against terrorism must be consistent and universal, without selective outrage or political convenience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi explicitly described the October 7 incident as a “terrorist attack,” clearly identifying Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Shortly after the attack, he shared a message on X, stating, “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel… We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.” This marked a notable shift in India’s public articulation, as the country has traditionally maintained a more carefully balanced diplomatic language regarding the Israel-Palestine issue.

Even while continuing to support dialogue and a balanced diplomatic approach, India made it clear that it would not justify or endorse terrorism. At the United Nations, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative Yojna Patel described the October 7 attacks as “shocking.” She called for strong condemnation of the violence and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of hostages. She also reiterated that India would never side with terrorism under any circumstances.

Drawing from India’s own painful experiences, Prime Minister Modi referred to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. In that attack, Israeli citizens were among those who lost their lives. He reminded lawmakers that terrorism aims to destabilise societies, disrupt development, and create fear among people. It seeks to weaken trust and harmony. For this reason, he called for united and consistent global action to combat terrorism in all its forms.

While clearly expressing solidarity with Israel, Modi also spoke about the importance of long-term peace in the region. He referred to the Gaza Peace Initiative supported by the United Nations Security Council and said it offers a possible path forward.

India, he said, supports efforts that can lead to a just and lasting peace for everyone in the region. He added that any meaningful peace process must also address the Palestinian issue in a fair and balanced manner.

“The road to peace is not always easy,” he said, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. However, he emphasised that India stands with Israel and the international community in pursuing dialogue, stability, and peace guided by wisdom and humanity.

Deep Historical and People-to-People Connections

Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the deep historical, social, and cultural ties between India and Israel. He noted that Jewish communities have lived in India for centuries. Throughout this long history, they have never faced persecution or discrimination in India. Instead, they have been respected and have contributed meaningfully to Indian society.

He also recalled that “over 4,000 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives in this region during the First World War.” These sacrifices, he said, serve as a reminder that the connection between India and this region goes back much further than modern diplomatic relations. It is rooted in shared history and mutual respect.

Describing himself as “a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another,” Modi conveyed the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians to the people of Israel. He said the relationship between the two nations looks toward the future with confidence, but it stands firmly on a foundation built by history.

Expanding Defence and Economic Cooperation

In today’s changing global environment, the Prime Minister said that strong defence partnerships between trusted countries like India and Israel are essential. Defence cooperation has been one of the most significant pillars of the bilateral relationship. Both sides are expected to further strengthen collaboration in this area in the coming years.

On the economic front, Modi highlighted India’s rapid growth. He said that India has been among the fastest-growing large economies in recent years and is on track to become one of the top three economies in the world. He pointed out that India has signed several major trade agreements and is currently negotiating a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with Israel. Such an agreement, he noted, would further boost trade and investment between the two nations.

Innovation as the Bridge to the Future

Turning to technology and innovation, Modi referred to Israel as the “startup nation” and praised its achievements in innovation. He said India is also encouraging innovation among its youth and building a strong startup ecosystem. Recently, India organised a major Artificial Intelligence summit that saw participation from delegates representing more than 100 countries.

He explained that India’s innovation environment naturally aligns with Israel’s strengths in technology. The two countries are already working together in fields such as artificial intelligence, agricultural technology, water management, and cybersecurity. These areas, he said, are critical for future growth and development.

Honour at the Knesset

During his address, Modi informed Israeli lawmakers that the Indian Parliament has established a parliamentary friendship group for Israel. He also invited members of the Knesset to visit India, stating that such exchanges would strengthen institutional ties and deepen understanding between the two democracies.

At the conclusion of his speech, the Knesset honoured Prime Minister Modi with the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal,” the highest award given by the Israeli Parliament. The award recognised his efforts in strengthening the strategic relationship between India and Israel. Senior Indian leaders, including External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, were present during the ceremony, marking the significance of the occasion.

The visit and the address together sent a clear message. India stands firmly against terrorism, supports Israel in its fight against violent extremism, and remains committed to building a partnership based on shared values, security cooperation, economic growth, and a hope for lasting peace.