Prime Minister Narendra Modi tells Israeli lawmakers India stands firmly with them, deepening strategic ties amid criticism over Gaza war silence
JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India stands “firmly” with Israel during an address to the Knesset.
His two-day visit aims to deepen trade and defence ties but has drawn criticism for not explicitly addressing Palestinian casualties.
“I carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7,” Modi told Israeli lawmakers.
He added that India feels Israel’s pain and shares its grief, offering support in this moment and beyond.
Modi’s speech did not mention the tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in Gaza.
He stated India supports all efforts contributing to durable peace and regional stability.
The prime minister highlighted economic and technological synergy as a foundation for partnership.
“I see a lot of synergies in areas such as quantum technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence,” he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said India supports Israel as a defensive wall against barbarism.
He stated the visit would allow them to further reinforce their ties.
Modi was greeted with a hug by Netanyahu upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport.
Netanyahu’s office spokeswoman said the two leaders share a special and personal relationship.
The pair held a private meeting, which Netanyahu hailed as “a real friendship”.
Modi described their discussions on X as excellent and wide-ranging.
They held an in-depth conversation about major developments in the region.
New Delhi has steadily expanded cooperation with Israel across multiple sectors.
Talks opened this week for an India-Israel Free Trade Agreement.
Merchandise trade between the two nations reached USD 3.62 billion in 2024-2025.
The visit has sparked criticism within India’s opposition Congress party.
Senior figure Priyanka Gandhi hoped Modi would mention the killing of thousands in Gaza.
India, with a large Muslim minority, has balanced diplomatic interests in the Middle East.
One of India’s largest conglomerates operates the Israeli port of Haifa.
Israeli military drone technology played a pivotal role in a recent India-Pakistan clash.
