Modi Addresses Israel’s Knesset, Defends War on Gaza
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history by addressing Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday, marking the first time an Indian leader has spoken there. During his speech, Modi emphasized India’s unwavering support for Israel, calling the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack “barbaric” and stating that “no cause justifies killing civilians.” His address received a standing ovation from the lawmakers, highlighting the significance of his visit.
India Stands Firm with Israel
Modi affirmed that “India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond.” He condemned the attacks on civilians and stressed India’s commitment to supporting Israel diplomatically. Earlier, Modi was warmly received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion International Airport, where a formal welcoming ceremony was held. Netanyahu described Modi as “more than a friend, a brother” and thanked India for standing by Israel during the recent conflict.
Support for Gaza Peace Initiative
During his Knesset speech, Modi expressed India’s backing for the Gaza peace initiative approved by the UN Security Council in November. He noted that the plan “offers a pathway” toward a just and lasting peace and emphasized that India believes it has the potential to bring stability for all people in the region.
India-Israel Relations: Strategic and Trusted Partners
Modi highlighted the importance of India-Israel relations, calling the two nations “trusted partners.” He praised cooperation in trade, security, and technology, including areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Modi’s first trip to Israel was in 2017, following the warming of ties after his election in 2014, while Netanyahu visited India in 2018. The leaders’ shared nationalist and conservative outlooks, along with common challenges in regions like Kashmir and the West Bank, underscore their close partnership, according to analysts.
India: Israel’s Largest Arms Customer
In recent years, India has emerged as Israel’s largest arms buyer, spending $20.5 billion on Israeli weapons from 2020 to 2024. Bilateral trade, heavily focused on defense and security, reached $3.9 billion in 2024. In September 2025, both countries signed the Bilateral Investment Treaty, further expanding trade and investment ties during Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s visit to India.
Criticism Over Support for Israel
Modi has faced domestic and international criticism for his support of Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has reportedly killed over 72,000 people and injured more than 171,000, including 615 during the ceasefire last October. Opposition figures in India, such as Imran Masood from the Congress party, urged Modi to address the humanitarian crisis, especially the deaths of children in Gaza.
Political Reactions and India’s Stance
Marian Alexander Baby, leader of the Communist Party of India, described Modi’s support for Israel as a “betrayal of India’s anti-colonial legacy” and a departure from India’s historic pro-Palestinian stance, reaffirmed in multiple UN resolutions co-sponsored by India. Despite criticism, Modi continues his two-day visit, emphasizing strategic, technological, and diplomatic cooperation with Israel.
Conclusion
Modi’s visit to Israel underscores India’s evolving foreign policy and close ties with Israel, balancing regional security interests with international criticism. The historic address to the Knesset reflects both nations’ shared priorities and the growing importance of India as a global strategic partner for Israel.
