Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between India and Israel, while upon his arrival for his second visit in 9 years, PM Modi was received with a grand ceremonial welcome at the airport by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife. During his historic address to the Knesset, PM Modi strongly condemned the October 7 terrorist attacks and asserted that the killing of innocent civilians is unacceptable. The Israeli Parliament honored the Indian Prime Minister with the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal', the highest honor bestowed by the legislative body.
Zero Tolerance Against Global Terrorism
In a firm message against global terror, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the pain of the October 7 massacre. He explicitly named Hamas while calling for a unified global stance against terrorism. PM Modi emphasized that there should be 'zero tolerance' for terror activities and that the international community must avoid double standards when dealing with such threats. He expressed deep condolences on behalf of the people of India to the families who lost their lives in the attacks, stating that India understands the pain and stands firmly in solidarity with Israel during these challenging times.
Strategic and Economic Partnership
Describing India and Israel as 'natural partners', Prime Minister Modi spoke about the expanding cooperation in security, technology, and trade. He noted that Israel is a global hub for innovation and that both nations have become strongholds for the startup ecosystem. The Prime Minister mentioned India's ongoing efforts toward Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and the development of international economic corridors. He also highlighted the success of the recent AI Summit in Delhi, which saw participation from over 100 countries, as a testament to the growing technological synergy between the two nations.
Commitment to Regional Peace and Stability
Addressing the ongoing conflict, PM Modi expressed support for the Gaza peace initiative approved by the UN Security Council. He stated that this initiative provides a roadmap for a just and lasting peace in the region, which includes resolving the Palestinian issue. The Prime Minister reiterated that while the path to peace is often difficult, India remains committed to supporting dialogue and stability, while he emphasized that all efforts must be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity to ensure a secure future for all people in the Middle East.
Historical Ties and Cultural Synergy
The Prime Minister reflected on the deep historical roots shared by the two civilizations. He paid tribute to the more than 4,000 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the region during World War I. PM Modi also lauded Israel's achievements in transforming desert landscapes into productive zones, calling it a 'miracle'. He noted the growing influence of Yoga in Israel and welcomed young Israeli talent to collaborate with India. He emphasized that the bond between the two nations is built on a foundation of shared values and mutual respect.
Netanyahu on the 'Modi Hug' and Brotherhood
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his welcoming remarks, referred to PM Modi as a 'dear friend' and stated that India and Israel are 'more than friends, they're brothers'. Netanyahu spoke about the global recognition of the 'Modi Hug', describing it as a genuine expression of friendship rather than a mere diplomatic gesture. He praised India for being a civilization where the Jewish community was never persecuted but always welcomed with open arms, while 4 billion people of India and the innovative spirit of Israel acts as a powerful multiplier for global progress.