As he became the first Indian PM to address the Israeli Knesset, Narendra Modi solidly backed Israel on the issue of terrorism, strongly condemning the Oct 7, 2023, attacks and naming Hamas for the “barbaric” act, while also asserting that India stood with Israel and with full conviction “in this moment, and beyond”.Modi did not mention India’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, but said the Gaza peace initiative endorsed by UNSC held the promise of a just and durable peace for all people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. “We feel your pain, share your grief. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism,” said Modi, drawing applause. Recalling the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which counted Israeli citizens, too, as victims, Modi said that India, like Israel, follows a consistent and uncompromising zero-tolerance policy against terrorism with no double standards. “Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development, and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere,” said the PM. India with Israel & world for dialogue, peace, stability: PM Modi While on the Gaza issue, PM Modi said the road to peace is not always easy, but India is with Israel and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region. “Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity,” said the PM, while endorsing the UNSC-backed peace initiative that he said offered a path.In his 30-minute speech, Modi also mentioned the Abraham Accords, which had been strongly backed by India.“Some years ago, when you concluded the Abraham Accords, we applauded your courage and vision. It was a moment of new hope for a long-troubled region. Since then, the situation has changed significantly. The path is even more challenging. Yet it is important to sustain that hope,” said the PM.The PM said a strong partnership between India and Israel not only serves national interests but also contributes to global stability and prosperity. “Let us ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world,” said Modi. He said that with India likely to be among the top three economies globally, and Israel a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership, there was a natural foundation for a forward-looking partnership. He backed ongoing talks for a free trade agreement, saying India is committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows and promoting joint infrastructure development.“Our bilateral goods trade has grown manifold in recent years. But it does not reflect the full scope of opportunity. That is why our teams are working hard to negotiate an ambitious free trade agreement. It will unlock the vast untapped potential in our trade relationship,” said the PM. He described defence and security as another important pillar of the partnership, saying in today’s uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners is of vital importance.Modi called for deeper interaction between the two countries in India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and I2U2 frameworks.
