India stands with Israel ‘with full conviction’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told lawmakers in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday that India stands with Israel “firmly with full conviction.”

Modi to Israel: ‘We feel your pain, we share your grief’ 

Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Israel, said he carries “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.”

The October 7 terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian groups on Israel killed some 1,200 people, with 251 people taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military operation that has lasted over two years in Gaza, with Israeli media reporting that Israel accepted the estimate from the Gaza Health Ministry that over 70,000 Palestinians were killed in the war. 

“We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly with full conviction in this moment and beyond,” Modi said.

The Indian leader did not mention the loss of Palestinian life in the war during his Knesset address. A UN special committee and a commission of inquiry as well as outside academic experts have labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza a “genocide.” Israel denies this characterization.    

At the Knesset, Modi said “countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action,” and added that India “supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.”

Modi expressed support for the Israel’s normalization of relations with other Arab countries in the region, known as the Abraham Accords. He also affirmed his backing of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. 

Modi highlights India’s rising economy, Israel’s status as a tech hub 

In addition to security, Modi’s speech also touched on the close economic relationship between India and Israel. 

“For the last few years, India has been the fastest growing major economy in the world,” Modi said. “At the same time, Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership. This creates a natural foundation for our forward-looking partnership.” 

A report from the State Bank of India released Tuesday said India’s gross domestic product will likely grow at a rate of 8.1% during the October to December 2025 fiscal quarter. India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Israel, meanwhile, is a hub for tech startups, with a high rate of unicorn companies per capita. A unicorn is a privately held company valued at more than $1 billion (about €850 million).

“We are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows and promoting joint infrastructure development,” Modi said. “I see a lot of synergies in areas such as quantum technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. We are also working with Israel on creating cross-border financial linkages using our digital public infrastructure.”  

Netanyahu hails ‘brother’ Modi’s visit to Israel 

India is one of Israel’s closest allies. 

The two countries both share neighbors with Muslim-majority countries with whom they have hostile relationships. India, for example, borders archrival Pakistan, whereas Israel borders two countries with whom it does not share diplomatic relations: Syria and Lebanon.   

Modi received a warm reception from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, when the Indian leader touched down in Tel Aviv earlier on Wednesday. 

Prior to Modi’s speech in the Knesset chamber, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is “deeply, deeply moved” by the Indian prime minister’s visit to Israel. Netanyahu called Modi a “brother,” praised the close trade ties between the two countries and vowed to build an “iron alliance” against “extremist Islam.” 

Modi was awarded a medal while at the Knesset to honor his “significant contributions to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.”

Modi is the fifth world leader to address the Knesset since the October 7, 2023, attacks. US President Trump last addressed the Knesset in October after Israel and Hamas agreed to phase one of his peace plan. 

Edited by: Sean Sinico