Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Knesset in Jerusalem, highlighting the deep and growing ties between India and Israel. During his speech, he recalled a personal coincidence, saying he “was born on the day India formally recognised Israel,” referring to September 17, 1950.
“Nine years ago, I had the good fortune to be the first PM of India to visit Israel, and I am very happy to be here again,” Modi said. “I always felt drawn to this land. After all, I was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel.”
He received a standing ovation from lawmakers as chants of “Modi Modi” were heard in the Parliament.
Condolences Over October 7 Attack
In his address, Modi expressed solidarity with Israel over the October 7 attack by Hamas.
“I 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. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond,” he said.
He also spoke about India’s own experience with terrorism and referred to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
“India has endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26 11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards,” he said.
Modi added that terrorism aims to destabilise societies and that global cooperation is necessary to ensure lasting peace.
Netanyahu Welcomes Modi
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Modi to the Knesset and described him as “a close friend of Israel, a strong advocate of the India-Israel partnership, and a prominent leader on the global stage.”
The two leaders had held a private meeting earlier in the day after Modi arrived in Tel Aviv for a two-day state visit.
“Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. It is a delight to be back in Israel after nine years,” Modi posted on X. “We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties.”
Netanyahu said the two leaders share a close personal relationship. “The deep friendship between us reflects the strong ties between our two countries,” he said. He added that agreements in economic, security and diplomatic fields would be signed to further cooperation.
Focus on Strategic Partnership
The India-Israel relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership during Modi’s first visit in 2017. In recent years, cooperation has expanded in defence, agriculture, water management, cybersecurity and innovation.
During the visit, Modi also paid floral tributes at the Parliament and interacted with children waving Indian and Israeli flags. He later received a warm welcome from members of the Indian community in Jerusalem, where cultural performances from both countries were presented.
Political Reactions in India
The visit has also drawn criticism from the opposition Congress party. Senior leader Jairam Ramesh accused the government of ignoring Palestinian concerns. “Israel’s dispossession and displacement of thousands of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has intensified and drawn worldwide condemnation. Yet the Prime Minister is going to embrace his good friend Mr Netanyahu,” he said.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged Modi to speak about the humanitarian situation in Gaza during his address. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia rejected the criticism and defended the government’s position.
