In a historic speech to the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the Gaza peace initiative as a path toward a “just and lasting peace” in the region even as he delivered a strong message of solidarity with Israel, stressing that “terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere.”
Modi said that India, like Israel, pursues a “consistent and strict policy of zero tolerance for terrorism without double standards,” and called for sustained and coordinated global efforts to confront this threat.
The Prime Minister’s speech before the Knesset, the Israeli House of Representatives, came hours after his arrival in the country amid a crowded reception with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sarah receiving him at Ben Gurion Airport.
“I also bring 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 (2023),” Modi said.
“We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel with firmness and complete conviction at this moment and beyond. There is no reason that can justify the killing of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism,” he said.
In the first ever speech by an Indian Prime Minister before the Knesset, Modi demonstrated India’s strong determination to fight terrorism with full force.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and several other senior leaders were among the parliamentarians who attended the event.
“India has also suffered the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and strict policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, with no double standards,” he said.
“Terrorism aims to destabilize societies, impede development, and undermine confidence. Combating terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere.”
“This is why India supports all efforts that contribute to achieving lasting peace and regional stability,” he noted.
The Prime Minister also touched on developments in the situation in the Middle East and referred to Israel’s signing of the Abraham Accords with a number of countries a few years ago.
“It was a moment of new hope for a long-troubled region. Since then, the situation has changed dramatically. The road has become more difficult. However, it is important to maintain this hope,” he said.
In the current context, Modi openly supported the Gaza peace initiative, describing the plan approved by the UN Security Council as the final path towards a “just and lasting peace” for the entire region.
“The Gaza Peace Initiative approved by the UN Security Council provides a path. India has expressed its strong support for the initiative,” Modi said.
He added, “We believe that this agreement holds the promise of a just and lasting peace for all the peoples of the region, including addressing the Palestinian issue.”
“Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage and humanity. The path to peace is not always easy. But India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that there is great admiration in India for Israel’s “determination, courage and achievements.”
“Long before we were connected to each other as modern nations, we had ties dating back more than two thousand years,” he said.
Modi said that India and Israel are “democracies shaped by history and focused on the future.”
He said, “Our partnership is based on shared experience and shared aspirations. Our strong partnership not only serves national interests, but also contributes to global stability and prosperity.”
Highlighting the strong ties between the two countries, Modi said: “In today’s uncertain world, a strong defense partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s economic growth, as well as Israel’s technological prowess.
“Over the past few years, India has been the fastest growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies in the world,” he said.
“At the same time, Israel is a force for innovation and technological leadership. This creates a natural foundation for a partnership that looks to the future.”
“We are committed to expanding trade, enhancing investment flows and promoting joint development of infrastructure,” he added.
Modi said the bilateral investment treaty signed by the two sides last year will provide confidence and predictability to businesses.
“In the past few years, India has concluded a number of important trade agreements with other countries. To your west, the European Union and the United Kingdom. To your east, the UAE and Oman,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that bilateral commodity trade between India and Israel has grown diversified in recent years.
At the same time, he noted, this does not reflect the “full scope of the opportunity.”
“That’s why our teams are working hard to negotiate an ambitious free trade agreement. It will unleash the enormous untapped potential in our trading relationship,” he added.
“Israel is often called the ‘startup nation’. In recent years, we have also worked to unleash the innovation and creativity of our youth,” Modi said.
“I recall that in 2018, Prime Minister Netanyahu and I opened the iCreate technology business incubator in India. Since then, I have supported nearly 900 such startups,” he said.
India and Israel will also work closely in various formats, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the I2U2 framework between India, Israel, the UAE and the United States, Modi said.
“Defense and security is another important pillar of our partnership. In November last year, we signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation. In today’s uncertain world, a strong defense partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance,” he said.
Modi described the two countries as “ancient civilizations” and said, “Perhaps it is not surprising that our civilizational traditions also reveal philosophical similarities.”
“In Israel, the principle of Tikun Olam speaks of healing the world. In India, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam asserts that the world is one family. Both ideas extend responsibility beyond immediate borders. They ask societies to act with compassion and moral courage,” Modi said.
He added: “Judaism emphasizes halakha, which guides daily behavior through law and practice. Hindu philosophy speaks of dharma, the moral system that shapes duty and right action. In both traditions, the moral life is lived through action, and faith is expressed through behavior.”
Drawing parallels between the festivals of Hanukkah and Diwali, Modi said, “There is an endearing similarity in our festivals as well. You celebrate Hanukkah with the warm glow of candles. At almost the same time, we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with the gentle glow of lamps.”
He added: “Soon, India will celebrate Holi, full of happiness and colours. At around the same time, Israel will also celebrate Purim with enthusiasm and joy.”
