Jerusalem, Israel — In a landmark moment for India-Israel relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful address to Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian head of government to speak before Israeli lawmakers. The speech — delivered during Modi’s two-day state visit — underscored deepening ties between the two nations, while aiming to balance calls for unity and peace in a turbulent region.
Modi was greeted with warm applause and a standing ovation as he took the podium in Jerusalem, where members of the Knesset and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the historically close partnership between the world’s most populous democracy and the Middle Eastern nation.
“It is a great honour to stand before you,” Modi said, conveying “the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians” and offering a message of friendship, respect and partnership. He described the moment as “historic,” noting shared civilizational bonds that stretch back centuries and welcoming the opportunity to take bilateral cooperation forward.
Condolences, Solidarity, and Shared Stance Against Terrorism
A central theme of Modi’s speech was solidarity with Israel following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which triggered one of the deadliest conflicts in the region. Modi offered India’s deepest condolences to families affected by the violence, saying: “We feel your pain. We share your grief,” and reaffirming India’s stance that “no cause can justify the murder of civilians.”
He poignantly drew parallels between that attack and India’s own struggles with terrorism, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, highlighting shared experiences that bind the nations in a common resolve against violence. Modi reiterated India’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and underscored the need for coordinated global action to confront it.
Balancing Peace and Partnership
While Modi voiced strong support for Israel’s security and condemned terror, he also acknowledged the complexities of peace in the Middle East. He expressed India’s backing for the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the United Nations, describing it as a pathway toward a “just and durable peace” that addresses the needs of all peoples in the region.
“We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue,” he said, adding that India joins global efforts “for dialogue, peace and stability.”
Diplomacy, Technology and Trade
Beyond security, Modi highlighted the expanding economic, technological and cultural links between India and Israel. He spoke of growing cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and innovation, while also noting efforts to negotiate a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement that could unlock new opportunities for both economies.
“This partnership is grounded in shared experience and aspirations,” he said, pointing to robust trade, strategic collaboration and vibrant people-to-people ties.
A Gesture of Respect
At the end of his address, Modi was conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, marking the first time a foreign leader has received this honour — a symbolic acknowledgment of his role in strengthening bilateral relations and deepening strategic ties.
As the session concluded, lawmakers and guests echoed the sentiment that the speech represented more than diplomatic protocol — it symbolised a new chapter of cooperation and mutual understanding between India and Israel.
