India ‘stands firmly’ with Israel, Modi tells Knesset

Prime Minister Narendra Modi prolonged a agency hand of friendship to Israel and condemned the October 7 Hamas assault as a “barbaric terrorist assault” in his tackle to the Israeli Parliament Knesset on Wednesday (February 25, 2026). He supported the Gaza Peace Initiative, saying it’s essential to “maintain” the method of peace constructing within the area.

Additionally learn: PM Modi’s Israel go to highlights on February 25, 2026

“The Gaza Peace Initiative that was endorsed by the U.N. Safety Council gives a pathway. India has expressed its agency assist for the initiative… We imagine that it holds the promise of a simply and sturdy peace for all of the individuals of the area, together with by addressing the Palestine concern,” he stated.

Mr. Modi stated India and Israel are working to reinforce bilateral relations throughout sectors equivalent to water administration, agriculture, and expertise partnership, including that he has mentioned “key developments” within the area with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“I additionally carry with me the deepest condolences of the individuals of India for each life misplaced and for each household whose world was shattered within the barbaric terrorist assault by Hamas on October 7 (2023),” stated Mr. Modi, including that India stands with Israel “firmly, with full conviction”.

In his second go to to Israel after 9 years, Prime Minister Modi reminded the members of the Knesset about India’s personal wrestle in opposition to terrorism and cited the 26/11 terror assault in Mumbai that killed residents of India in addition to a number of different international locations, together with Israel.

“Such as you, we have now a constant and uncompromising coverage of zero tolerance for terrorism, with no double requirements,” he stated.

Mr. Modi stated India had supported Israel’s makes an attempt to construct pleasant ties with the international locations in West Asia and North Africa and stated Israeli strikes to construct relationships with Arab international locations below the Abraham Accords, confirmed “braveness and imaginative and prescient”. “Since then, the scenario has modified considerably. The trail is much more difficult. But you will need to maintain that hope,” he stated.

Mr. Modi, who was conferred with the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’, referred to India’s ties with the Jewish group as rooted in historic commerce and motion of individuals, and stated there may be “nice admiration of Israel’s resolve, braveness and achievements” in India. He additionally talked concerning the absence of discrimination in opposition to the Jewish group in India and particularly referred to the historic Jewish communities in Kerala, Kolkata and Mumbai.

The Prime Minister stated India is dedicated to increasing commerce with Israel and knowledgeable that either side are engaged on it via “cross-border monetary linkages” utilizing “Digital Public Infrastructure”. He stated the 2 sides are additionally engaged on an bold Free Commerce Settlement and stated it will “unlock the huge untapped potential in our commerce relationship”.

Earlier, welcoming the Prime Minister of India to the Knesset, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu stated Mr. Modi “didn’t flinch” and that below his management, India offered assist to Israel within the difficult occasions over the latest previous. “You stood for Israel. You stood for the Jews. Thanks,” stated Mr. Netanyahu.