Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India stands firmly and with full conviction with Israel in the fight against terrorism. In his first-ever address to the Israeli parliament – the Knesset – Prime Minister Modi delivered a powerful message of solidarity with Israel, asserting that terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere. Emphasizing that no cause can justify the murder of civilians, he said that India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time.
In his landmark speech, which received huge applause from Israeli parliamentarians on several occasions, Prime Minister Modi demonstrated India's strong resolve to combat terrorism with full force. The Prime Minister stated that, like Israel, India has a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, with no double standards, and called for sustained and coordinated global efforts to counter the menace. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed 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, 2023.
Prime Minister Modi stated that he has brought with him the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect, and partnership. The Prime Minister also mentioned that Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination.
Prime Minister Modi described the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council as a path towards "just and durable peace" in the region. He said that India has expressed its firm support for the initiative.
Prime Minister Modi stated that India has been the fastest-growing major economy in the world for the last few years. He said that the country will soon be among the top three economies globally. Prime Minister Modi also said that Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership, which creates a natural foundation for a forward-looking partnership. The Prime Minister said that the bilateral investment treaty signed by the two sides last year will provide confidence and predictability to businesses.
Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Modi held a tête-à-tête with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Israel bilateral relations and discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as water management, agriculture, technology, and more. In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi said that he had an excellent meeting with Mr. Netanyahu. Key areas of focus during their discussion included technology, water resource management, agriculture, cooperation in human capital development, and other sectors with significant potential for collaboration. The Prime Minister also discussed major developments in the region.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara Netanyahu, welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the airport. Prime Minister Modi conveyed his deep appreciation for the honor of being received by Benjamin Netanyahu and Ms. Sara Netanyahu at the airport.
