India stands with Israel with full conviction, in this moment and beyond: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Israel, underscoring the depth of bilateral ties, a shared zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, and expanding cooperation in trade, defence and technology.

Addressing the Knesset during his official visit, PM Modi described the India-Israel partnership as historic, strategic and vital amid global uncertainty, while calling for durable peace and regional stability in West Asia.

Referring to the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians, the PM expressed condolences "for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack".

"We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond," he said.

Over 1,200 people were killed on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists attacked Israeli civilians during a local festival, triggering one of the deadliest wars in the Middle East in the recent past.

"No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism," the



Prime Minister asserted, reiterating India’s longstanding policy of "zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards".

Drawing a parallel with India’s own experience, he recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, in which Israeli citizens were among those killed.

"Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust," he said, calling for sustained and coordinated global action.

He said India supports initiatives that contribute to regional stability and lasting peace.

Addressing the broader regional conflict, PM Modi referred to the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying it "offers a pathway".

India, he said, has expressed firm support for efforts that hold the promise of "a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue".

"The road to peace is not always easy," he said, adding that India joins Israel and the international community in working toward dialogue, peace and stability guided by "wisdom, courage and humanity".