Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India stands firmly and with full conviction with Israel in the fight against terrorism. In a first-ever address to Israeli parliament – Knesset by an Indian Prime Minister, Mr Modi delivered a powerful message of solidarity with Israel, asserting that terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere. Emphasising that no cause can justify the murder of civilians, he said, India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time.
In his landmark speech, which received a huge applause by Israeli parliamentarians on a number of occasions, Mr Modi showed India’s strong resolve to combat terrorism with full force. Prime Minister said, like Israel, India has a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, with no double standards and called for sustained and coordinated global efforts to counter the menace. Mr Modi said, he also carry with him 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, 2023.
Mr Modi said he has brought with him the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership. Prime Minister also mentioned that Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination. Mr Modi described the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by UN Security Council as a path towards “just and durable peace” in the region. He said India has expressed its firm support for the initiative.
Prime Minister said, for the last few years, India has been the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Soon, the country will be among the top three economies globally, he said. Mr Modi said, at the same time, Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership, which creates a natural foundation for a forward-looking partnership. Prime Minister said the bilateral investment treaty signed by the two sides last year will provide confidence and predictability to businesses.
Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Modi held a tete e tete with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of the India-Israel bilateral relations and discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as water management, agriculture, technology and more. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that he had an excellent meeting with Mr Netanyahu.
Key areas of focus during their discussion included technology, water resource management, agriculture, cooperation in human capital development and other sectors with significant potential to expand collaboration. The Prime Minister said they also held an in-depth conversation on major developments in the region. Earlier, Mr Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara Netanyahu, welcomed Mr. Modi at the airport. PM Modi conveyed his deep appreciation for the honour of being received by Benjamin Netanyahu and Ms. Sara Netanyahu at the airport.
