JERUSALEM: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed India’s “firm” support for Israel during an address to lawmakers in Jerusalem, expressing solidarity after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack and vowing to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Speaking at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, Modi conveyed condolences on behalf of the Indian people for those killed in the attack. “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 attack by Hamas on October 7,” he said.
“We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly with full conviction in this moment and beyond.”
During his 2-day visit, Modi also held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, focusing on expanding trade and defence ties.
The visit, aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation, has drawn criticism from some quarters in India amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
While Modi did not directly reference the tens of thousands of Palestinians reported killed in Gaza during the more than 2-year conflict, he emphasized that India “supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.”
Highlighting economic collaboration, Modi described India’s rapid economic growth and Israel’s technological leadership as a “natural foundation for our forward-looking partnership.”
He pointed to potential cooperation in advanced sectors such as quantum technologies, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.
Netanyahu welcomed Modi’s remarks, stating that “India supports Israel because it understands that Israel serves as a defensive wall against barbarism.”
He added that the visit would help both nations “further reinforce our ties.”
This marks Modi’s second visit to Israel as prime minister since assuming office in 2014, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Tel Aviv across defence, innovation, and economic sectors.