Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Israel during a historic address to the Knesset on , despite growing international concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli parliament, delivered a staunch defense of Israel’s right to self-defense following the attacks by Hamas, condemning the assault as “barbaric” and stating unequivocally that “no cause can justify the murder of civilians.” He expressed India’s solidarity with Israel, declaring, “India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond.”
The visit, occurring amidst heightened scrutiny of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and accusations of genocide, has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. Congress party MP Imran Masood reportedly urged Modi to address the situation in Gaza during his visit, according to ANI news agency, stating that a discussion on the deaths of children in the territory would demonstrate “any morality.”
While Modi did not explicitly address the scale of Palestinian casualties in Gaza, he voiced support for the UN-endorsed Gaza Peace Initiative, describing it as offering “a pathway” towards a “just and durable peace for all the people of the region.” This initiative, approved by the UN Security Council in , seeks to establish a framework for long-term stability and address the underlying issues fueling the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warmly welcomed Modi at Ben Gurion International Airport, holding a joint ceremony and later praising India’s consistent support for Israel. Netanyahu described Modi as “more than a friend, a brother,” and emphasized the shared interests and deepening ties between the two nations. He stated that India understands Israel’s role as “a defensive wall against barbarism.”
The strengthening of India-Israel relations has been a notable feature of Indian foreign policy since Modi took office in . His first visit to Israel was in , breaking decades of diplomatic convention. Netanyahu reciprocated with a visit to India in . The relationship has expanded significantly, particularly in the areas of defense and trade.
India is currently Israel’s largest arms buyer, having spent $20.5 billion on Israeli weapons between and . Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $3.9 billion in , largely driven by defense and security cooperation. In , India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty aimed at further expanding economic ties during a visit by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
However, Modi’s strong stance in support of Israel has not been without controversy. Marian Alexander Baby, leader of the Communist Party of India, reportedly criticized the visit as a “betrayal of India’s anti-colonial legacy and our long-standing position in support of the right to self determination of the Palestinian people,” according to a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The visit comes as Israel faces increasing international pressure over its military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in over 72,073 Palestinian deaths and 171,756 injuries as of the time of this report. India was among over 100 countries that condemned Israel’s recent moves to expand its control over the occupied West Bank and pursue de facto annexation in .
During his address to the Knesset, Modi highlighted the potential for collaboration between India and Israel in emerging technologies, including quantum technologies, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. He described the two countries as “trusted partners” whose relationship contributes to “global stability and prosperity.” He also emphasized the shared civilizational ties between India and Israel, noting the historical connections and cultural exchanges that have shaped both societies.
Gideon Levy, a journalist with the Haaretz newspaper, told Al Jazeera that Modi’s visit is significant, particularly given domestic criticism of Israel. He noted similarities between Netanyahu and Modi, describing both as “nationalist, populist…quite conservative, and hawkish,” and pointed to shared challenges in Kashmir and the West Bank.
Modi’s two-day visit to Israel continues on .
