Modi Expresses Solidarity with Israel in Jerusalem
Narendra Modi told Israeli lawmakers that India stands “firmly” with Israel after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. He delivered the remarks during his address to the Knesset in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
Modi conveyed condolences from the people of India. He said India mourns every life lost in the attack. He described the assault as a “barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas.”
“We feel your pain. We share your grief,” Modi said. He stressed that India’s support for Israel extends beyond the present moment.
During the speech, Modi did not directly mention the large number of Palestinians killed in Gaza. The conflict has continued for more than two years. However, he said India supports efforts aimed at durable peace and regional stability.
Modi’s visit included a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders held talks focused on trade, defence, and regional security. The visit is Modi’s second trip to Israel since taking office in 2014.
At Ben Gurion Airport, Netanyahu welcomed Modi with a red carpet reception. The two leaders shared a public embrace. Netanyahu’s office described the relationship as a “real friendship.”
Modi later called the meeting “excellent” in a post on X. He said both sides discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Focus on Trade, Technology and Strategic Partnership
Modi highlighted economic cooperation during his address. He said India’s economic growth aligns naturally with Israel’s technological leadership. He pointed to key sectors like quantum technology, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.
He said both countries share synergies in innovation and defence. India and Israel have expanded ties in cybersecurity, agriculture, and military technology over the past decade.
Full diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established in 1992. Ties deepened significantly after Modi took office in 2014.
Talks on an India-Israel Free Trade Agreement recently opened in New Delhi. According to official figures, merchandise trade between the two countries reached $3.62 billion in 2024–2025.
In 2023, India backed plans for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The project aimed to connect railways, ports, electricity grids, and data networks through the Middle East and Europe. The initiative slowed after the October 7 attack and the war in Gaza.
Modi is also scheduled to meet Isaac Herzog during his visit.
Criticism Grows Back Home in India
Modi’s Israel visit has triggered criticism from opposition leaders in India. Members of the Indian National Congress questioned his strong public support for Netanyahu.
Priyanka Gandhi said she hoped Modi would mention the deaths of civilians in Gaza. She referred to the killing of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused Modi of ignoring global criticism of Israel’s military campaign. He said the Prime Minister was embracing Netanyahu while Gaza faces devastation.
Ramesh recalled that Jawaharlal Nehru visited Gaza in 1960. He said India has a historical connection with Palestinian issues.
Netanyahu recently described India as part of a broader alliance against what he called “radical axes.” India maintains relations across the Middle East while balancing strategic interests.
India is home to 1.4 billion people. Around 220 million Indians are Muslim. The country continues to navigate complex diplomatic ties in the region.
Indian conglomerate Adani Group operates the Israeli port of Haifa. Israeli drone technology has also played a role in India’s defence strategy.
Modi’s speech at the Knesset marks another milestone in India-Israel relations. The visit underscores growing defence and economic cooperation, even as political debate intensifies at home.
