Jerusalem – In a historic address to the Israeli Knesset on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering solidarity with Israel, condemning the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks as a “barbaric terrorist act.” The visit, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has addressed the Israeli parliament, underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations and India’s commitment to a stable and secure Middle East. Modi’s speech resonated with themes of shared values, the fight against terrorism, and the pursuit of peace through dialogue, while similarly acknowledging the complexities of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Prime Minister’s address came amidst heightened global tensions following the October 7th attacks, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the taking of 251 hostages, according to reports from the time. Hindustan Times reported that Modi expressed India’s profound sorrow for the lives lost and the suffering endured by Israelis. He drew parallels to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which also claimed the lives of Israeli citizens, emphasizing India’s own experience with the scourge of terrorism and its firm commitment to a “zero tolerance” policy.
India’s Stance on Terrorism and Regional Stability
Modi unequivocally stated that India, like Israel, maintains an uncompromising stance against terrorism, rejecting any justification for violence against civilians. “No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism,” he declared, drawing applause from Knesset members. He highlighted the destabilizing effects of terrorism on societies, development, and trust, stressing the need for sustained and coordinated global action to combat the threat. This stance reflects India’s long-held position on terrorism, stemming from its own experiences with cross-border attacks and extremist groups. DW News noted that Modi’s condemnation of the October 7th attacks was particularly strong, signaling a clear alignment with Israel’s security concerns.
Beyond condemning terrorism, Modi articulated India’s vision for a peaceful and stable Middle East. He expressed support for the Gaza peace initiative endorsed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stating that it held the promise of a “just and durable peace” for the region, including addressing the concerns of the Palestinian people. While he did not explicitly mention India’s longstanding support for a two-state solution, his emphasis on inclusivity and regional stability suggests a continued commitment to a negotiated settlement. The UNSC has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but progress has been hampered by ongoing violence and political obstacles.
Strengthening the India-Israel Partnership
The Prime Minister’s visit also served to reinforce the growing strategic partnership between India and Israel. He highlighted the potential for collaboration in various sectors, including defense, technology, and trade. The Indian Express reported that Modi received the ‘Speaker of Knesset Medal,’ the highest honor bestowed by the Israeli Parliament, recognizing his role in strengthening bilateral ties. He also received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, signifying a delicate balancing act in India’s foreign policy.
Modi emphasized the complementary strengths of the two economies, noting that India is poised to become one of the top three global economies while Israel is a leading hub for innovation and technological advancement. He advocated for deeper economic cooperation, including the negotiation of a free trade agreement (FTA) to unlock the full potential of bilateral trade. Bilateral trade between India and Israel has grown significantly in recent years, but officials believe there is still considerable untapped potential. He also underscored the importance of defense and security cooperation, particularly in a world characterized by increasing uncertainty and geopolitical challenges. The two countries have a long history of defense collaboration, with Israel being a major supplier of military equipment to India.
The Abraham Accords and Regional Diplomacy
During his address, Modi acknowledged the significance of the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, brokered by the United States in 2020. He applauded Israel’s courage and vision in pursuing these agreements, describing them as a “moment of new hope” for the region. Although, he also acknowledged that the situation has become more challenging since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza. The Abraham Accords aimed to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, but their long-term impact remains uncertain given the ongoing instability.
Modi also called for deeper interaction between India and Israel within the framework of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 group (India, Israel, UAE, and USA). These initiatives aim to promote regional connectivity, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships. The IMEC, for example, envisions a network of railways and sea routes connecting India to Europe via the Middle East, potentially boosting trade and economic growth. The I2U2 group focuses on joint projects in areas such as water, energy, transportation, and space.
A Delicate Balancing Act: India’s Foreign Policy in the Middle East
India has traditionally maintained a balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, supporting the Palestinian cause while also cultivating strong ties with Israel. This approach reflects India’s broader foreign policy objectives of promoting regional stability, fostering economic cooperation, and safeguarding its own strategic interests. While Modi’s strong expression of support for Israel during his Knesset address may be seen as a tilt towards Israel, India continues to advocate for a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. India has consistently called for a two-state solution, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
The visit also comes at a time when India is seeking to strengthen its relationships with countries across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. These countries are key suppliers of energy to India and important partners in trade and investment. India’s ability to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East will be crucial for its economic and strategic interests.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Modi’s address to the Knesset underscored India’s strong support for Israel in the wake of the October 7th attacks.
- India continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, supporting the Gaza peace initiative and a just and durable peace for the region.
- The visit highlighted the deepening strategic partnership between India and Israel, with a focus on defense, technology, and trade cooperation.
- India is seeking to play a constructive role in promoting regional stability and economic cooperation in the Middle East through initiatives like the IMEC and I2U2.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on translating the political goodwill generated by Modi’s visit into concrete outcomes. Negotiations on a free trade agreement are expected to continue, and both countries are likely to explore new avenues for collaboration in areas such as technology, innovation, and renewable energy. The situation in Gaza remains volatile, and India will continue to monitor developments closely, advocating for a peaceful and just resolution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved. The next major checkpoint will be the follow-up discussions between Indian and Israeli trade officials regarding the FTA, scheduled for March 2026.
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