Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) on Wednesday, where he expressed condolences for the October 7 Hamas attack in 2023, affirming that India stands with Israel in the fight
against terrorism. FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES OF MODI’S ISRAEL VISIT
“I also carry with me 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. We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with conviction in this moment and beyond,” he said.
“No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli civilians,” he continued.
Addressing the Knesset. Do watch my speech. @KnessetENG https://t.co/a8V6Ah5HwY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026
PM Modi asserted that just like Israel, India has a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance against terrorism, with no double standards. “Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That is why, India supports all efforts that contribute to peace and regional stability,” he added.
He also expressed support for the Gaza peace initiative, saying it holds promise for a just and durable peace in the region. “The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region,” PM Modi said in the Knesset.
Notably, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people, including civilians and troops, and taking over 250 people hostage. Israel launched a devastating military offensive in the Gaza Strip, in which over 70,000 Palestinians were killed, before the United States mediated a ceasefire.
PM Modi Receives Warm Welcome In Knesset
Modi received a resounding welcome from Israeli lawmakers in the Knesset, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling him a “brother” and hailing the special relationship between them. “I’ve never been more moved than by your visit here with us, a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, and a great leader on the world stage,” Netanyahu told Modi.
Netanyahu said India and Israel will build an “iron alliance” of countries “in the face of extremist Islam.” He said both countries are “stronger than ever” and thanked Modi for his support of Israel after the Hamas-led attack.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana also heaped praises on Modi as a staunch ally of Israel, noting that he was the first Indian leader to visit Israel when he came in 2017. “The friendship between our two nations has stood the test of our shared fight against terrorism. After the October 7 massacre, Prime Minister Modi was one of the first leaders to condemn the atrocities of Hamas and stood in brotherhood with the citizens of Israel,” he said.
ALSO READ: PM Modi Receives Red Carpet Welcome From Netanyahu, His Wife At Tel Aviv Airport
Prime Minister Modi reached Israel earlier in the day to kickstart a two-day visit that is expected to focus on artificial intelligence as well as defence. He was the first Indian PM to visit Israel in 2017, and is visiting the country after nine years. He also held an “excellent” meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, sharing that they discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties.
