JERUSALEM, Feb. 25 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed that India stands with Israel in its battle against terror, drawing a parallel between the Hamas attack of October 2023 in which around 1200 people were killed and the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai in which around 175 people died.
"We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond,'' he said.
In his address to the Israeli parliament Knesset, PM Modi delivered a strong message on terror. In his address to the Knesset - a first by an Indian Prime Minister in the Israeli parliament - he reiterated that ' "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 citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, with no double standards,'' he told the lawmakers in the Israeli parliament.
PM Modi said that 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 durable peace and regional stability,'' he said.
PM Modi also touched upon the Gaza Peace Initiative that was endorsed by the UN Security Council, saying it offers a pathway and India firmly supports it.
"We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine Issue. Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity. The road to peace is not always easy. But India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region,'' he said.
Drawing upon India-Israel connections, he said: "India's connection to this land (Israel) is also written in blood and sacrifice. During the First World War, more than 4,000 Indian soldiers laid down their lives in this region. The cavalry charge at Haifa in September 1918 remains a significant chapter in military history. Major Thakur Dalpat Singh, remembered as the Hero of Haifa, symbolises this shared history,'' he added.
"Our shared ideals are the deep foundations that give strength to our modern partnership. We are democracies shaped by history and focused on the future. Our partnership is grounded in shared experience and shared aspirations. Our strong partnership not only serves national interests but also contributes to global stability and prosperity. Let us ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world,'' PM Modi said.
Addressing the Knesset ahead of PM Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu also delved into history to describe the deep ties and shared culture of India and Israel, drawing parallels between the ancient civilisation of the Indus Valley and the Jordan Valley.
"The alliance between us is an enormous multiplier of our individual powers. It's a multiplier of the spirit and the multiplier of deeds and capabilities," he said.
On his part, PM Modi said that during his visit to Israel as prime minister, the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership. "Our engagement has expanded in scale and scope across many sectors for the last few years," PM Modi said.
The fast pace of India's growing economy and Israel's strength in innovation and technology, he said, make for a perfect partnership.
"This creates a natural foundation for our forward-looking partnership. We are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows and promoting joint infrastructure development," PM Modi said.
He also referred to the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor -- a project in the making that is expected to be a counter to China's Belt and Road Initiative and create fresh transit routes, energy pipelines and digital infrastructure for the member countries.
With his address, PM Modi enters the august list of the world leaders who have addressed the Knesset - several US presidents, including Donald Trump, late Egyptian president Anwar Sadat, and Argentine President Javier Milei.
PM Modi was also conferred with the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel.
The Indian Prime Minister is the first leader to receive this medal, which is the highest honour of the Knesset - the Israeli Parliament. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana conferred the award on the prime minister after his address at the Israeli Parliament.
The medal was conferred in recognition of the prime minister's exceptional contribution - through his personal leadership - to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel. It is PM Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years.
PM Modi is a rare world leader who has received top awards from both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, PM Modi was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, which is the highest Palestinian honour for foreign leaders.
Earlier, PM Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu held an "excellent" meeting during which they discussed a wide range of issues aimed at boosting bilateral ties and key developments in the region.
Modi was received by Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, at the airport. The prime minister received a red-carpet welcome and a guard of honour at the Ben Gurion International Airport.
"Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years," Modi said in a post on 'X'.
"We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and more offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region," he said. The prime minister said he was "deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, PM Netanyahu." May the India-Israel friendship continue to soar higher!"
Netanyahu said he and Modi share a "close personal relationship, speak often, and I believe that the deep friendship between us powerfully reflects on the ties between our two countries."
"Tomorrow we will visit Yad Vashem, and afterwards hold another meeting together with our teams, during which we will sign a series of agreements in the economic, security, and diplomatic spheres that will further advance cooperation between Israel and India," he added.
When Modi arrived at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, he was welcomed by the members of the Indian community, which included Indian-origin Jews, students, professionals and workers.
Indian and Israeli artists presented colourful cultural performances, including the traditional Thiruvathira dance recital from Kerala, the Israeli folk dance Hava Nagila and Rajasthan's Ghoomer. Specially-abled singers also performed on the occasion.
Modi's visit assumed greater significance as it is taking place amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including deteriorating ties between the US and Iran.
with agency inpu
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.