Jerusalem: Speaking in the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, on Wednesday, PM Narendra Modi said India firmly stands with Israel in the fight against terrorism.
Condemning the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Modi said, “I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. We feel your pain. We share your grief.”
He said, “No cause can justify murder of civilians, nothing can justify terrorism. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment.”
Speaking on Gaza, PM Modi said, “The Gaza peace initiative offers a pathway. We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region.”
“The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability,” he added.
PM Modi also noted that he was born on September 17, 1950, the same day India formally recognised Israel.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, on Wednesday.
He described Modi as ‘a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Israeli-Indian alliance, and a great leader on the world stage.’
“Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and your distinguished delegation. Welcome to Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said.
Hailing deep trade and cooperation between Israel and India, Netanyahu described Modi as ‘more than a friend, a brother’. He spoke about the common interests that both countries share and thanked Modi for standing by Israel during the October 7 attacks in Israel.
“You stood next to Israel, you stood by Israel, you stood for Israel, you stood for the truth. Thank you, my friend,” said Netanyahu.
This is Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years. During his landmark 2017 trip, bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership, setting the stage for deepening cooperation across sectors.
In his pre-departure statement, Modi said India and Israel share a partnership that has witnessed “remarkable growth and dynamism” in recent years. He expressed confidence that the visit would consolidate enduring bonds, set new goals for the strategic partnership and advance a shared vision for a “resilient, innovative and prosperous future”.
The Prime Minister said he looks forward to discussions with Netanyahu to expand cooperation in science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties. The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on key regional and global developments.
During the visit, Modi is scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and will address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. He will also hold a brief meeting with Netanyahu ahead of the address, followed by wide-ranging talks on Thursday.
The visit assumes added significance amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including strained ties between the United States and Iran.
In recent years, India-Israel cooperation has expanded in defence, cybersecurity, scientific research and innovation. Defence has emerged as a key pillar, with Israel supplying a range of military platforms and weapon systems to India. During the visit of India’s defence secretary to Israel in November last year, an important agreement on defence cooperation was signed.
As India pursues development of an indigenous air defence shield dubbed “Sudarshan Chakra”, New Delhi is also exploring the possibility of incorporating certain elements from Israel’s Iron Dome all-weather air defence system capable of intercepting missiles and artillery shells.
Trade and investment ties are also progressing steadily. During Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Israel in November, the terms of reference for launching negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement were signed. In September, the two sides inked a Bilateral Investment Agreement to further expand economic cooperation.
People-to-people ties remain a vital component of the relationship, with an over 41,000-strong Indian diaspora in Israel contributing significantly to bilateral goodwill and engagement.
