“India Stands With Israel Firmly,” Modi Declares in Historic Knesset Address

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told lawmakers in the Knesset on Wednesday that India stands “firmly” with Israel following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack, delivering an address that deepened strategic ties between Jerusalem and New Delhi.

Modi’s speech reflected a clear alignment by the world’s most populous nation with Israel during wartime. As a major democratic power, India’s public support reinforced Israel’s international standing amid ongoing regional tensions.

“We feel your pain. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond,” Modi said during his remarks in the Knesset plenum.

He added that he carried “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.”

Modi emphasized that combating terrorism requires global coordination. “Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action,” he said, adding that India “supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Modi to the Knesset, calling him “a great friend of Israel and a great leader on the world stage.” Netanyahu said the relationship between the two countries had strengthened in recent years and described it as “a real friendship.”

“We are two democracies. We are now deepening our deep bond. Israel is stronger than ever, and India is stronger than ever,” Netanyahu told lawmakers, thanking Modi for what he described as unwavering support after October 7.

Following his address, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana awarded Modi the newly established Medal of the Knesset, the first time the honor has been presented. According to the Knesset spokesperson’s office, Modi was selected in recognition of his role in significantly strengthening ties between India and Israel and deepening strategic cooperation.

“The awarding of the decoration to Prime Minister Modi expresses our deep appreciation for his work to create a strategic alliance between Israel and India,” Ohana said, calling the moment historic for the Knesset and the State of Israel.

In his speech, Modi described Israel as “a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership,” saying that India’s economic growth and Israel’s technological expertise formed a natural foundation for future partnership. He also noted that the two nations, both ancient civilizations and democracies, were expanding cooperation across security, technology and innovation.

Earlier in the day, Modi was greeted by Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, at Ben-Gurion Airport, where the two leaders held a private meeting before traveling to Jerusalem. Netanyahu’s office said the leaders share a close personal relationship that reflects the broader ties between their countries.

Modi is scheduled to visit Yad Vashem and participate in additional meetings during his two-day visit. The leaders are expected to sign agreements in the economic, security and diplomatic fields and deliver joint statements, further advancing cooperation between the two nations.