JERUSALEM (Realist English). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong support for Israel during an address to the Knesset on Wednesday, saying India stands “with full conviction” alongside the country despite mounting international criticism over the war in Gaza.
Modi, on the first day of a two-day visit, became the first Indian leader to address Israel’s parliament. He received a standing ovation as he reaffirmed bilateral ties and condemned the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas-led fighters as “barbaric,” stating that “no cause can justify the murder of civilians.”
Earlier, Modi was welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Addressing lawmakers, Netanyahu thanked India for its support following the October 7 attack and described Modi as “more than a friend, a brother,” emphasizing shared strategic interests between the two countries.
At the same time, Modi reiterated New Delhi’s backing for a Gaza peace framework approved by the UN Security Council in November. He described it as offering a potential path toward “a just and durable peace” for the region.
Calling India and Israel “trusted partners,” Modi highlighted cooperation in defense, trade and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing. “We are committed to further consolidating this relationship across many sectors,” he said.
The visit underscores deepening strategic ties. India is Israel’s largest arms buyer, with defense purchases totaling more than $20 bn between 2020 and 2024. Bilateral trade reached $3.9 bn in 2024, largely centered on security and defense cooperation. In September 2025, the two sides signed a bilateral investment treaty aimed at expanding economic engagement.
Modi’s stance has drawn criticism at home. Opposition lawmakers and left-wing parties have urged him to raise concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed since the conflict escalated. India has historically supported Palestinian statehood and last week joined more than 100 countries in condemning Israeli moves to expand control over parts of the occupied West Bank.
Analysts note parallels between Modi and Netanyahu in terms of political style and nationalist positioning, while emphasizing India’s pragmatic foreign policy approach. New Delhi maintains close ties not only with Israel but also with Gulf states and Iran, reflecting its broader strategic balancing.
Modi continues meetings in Israel on Thursday, with talks expected to focus on security coordination, technology cooperation and trade expansion.
