In a historic moment for bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to speak before the Israeli Parliament. His address was marked by strong expressions of solidarity with Israel in its fight against terrorism and was received with sustained applause from members of the House.
During his speech, Prime Minister Modi drew parallels between the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel, which claimed approximately 1,200 lives, and the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that left around 175 people dead. Emphasising shared experiences of loss and resilience, he stated that India feels Israel’s pain and stands firmly with the country “in this moment and beyond.”
Referring to the deep historical ties between the two nations, the Prime Minister noted that India’s relationship with the region is “written in blood and sacrifice,” recalling the contributions and sacrifices of Indian soldiers in the region during the First World War. He underscored that the India-Israel partnership is rooted in shared democratic values and a common commitment to combating extremism.
In a significant gesture, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Modi as a “brother,” reflecting the warmth that has characterised recent ties between the two leaders. The visit has been widely viewed as a milestone in India-Israel relations.
Strategic Talks and Key Agreements
The Prime Minister’s visit includes high-level bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu covering defence, agriculture, trade, technology, and industrial cooperation. Several key agreements are expected to be signed, reinforcing strategic collaboration between the two nations.
Among the areas of focus is defence cooperation, including discussions surrounding advanced missile defence systems such as the Iron Dome, which gained global attention for intercepting rocket attacks during recent hostilities involving Hamas. Expanded defence procurement and technological collaboration are anticipated to feature prominently in the talks.
The visit comes at a sensitive geopolitical juncture. Regional tensions remain elevated amid ongoing friction between the United States and Iran, with increased military deployments reported across parts of the Middle East and Europe. In this broader context, Modi’s strong public backing of Israel has drawn international attention.
Shifting Strategic Posture
Observers note that India’s stance reflects a more assertive and security-focused foreign policy approach compared to earlier eras when New Delhi often maintained a more visibly non-aligned position on West Asian conflicts. The emphasis now appears to be on counter-terrorism cooperation, defence partnerships, and strategic technology sharing.
India has consistently condemned terrorism in all forms, and recent security challenges have reinforced the importance of partnerships with countries facing similar threats. Officials view closer collaboration with Israel as integral to strengthening national security capabilities, including advanced defence technologies and intelligence cooperation.
Broader Diplomatic Significance
The visit also carries diplomatic weight amid complex regional alignments involving the United States, Iran, Russia, and other global powers. With shifting alliances and heightened tensions, India’s engagement with Israel is being closely watched by the international community.
Prime Minister Modi was also honoured during his visit, receiving recognition from the Speaker of the Knesset — a gesture underscoring the significance Israel attaches to the partnership.
As bilateral discussions continue, expectations are high that the visit will further deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, marking a new chapter in the evolving strategic partnership between India and Israel.
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