Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that India stands “firmly” with Israel following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, as he addressed lawmakers during a visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
Speaking at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, Modi expressed condolences for the victims of the Hamas assault.
“I 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,” Modi said. “We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly with full conviction in this moment and beyond.”
Modi did not explicitly refer to Palestinian casualties in Gaza during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which has lasted more than two years. However, he said India “supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.”
Modi held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the two-day visit, which focused on expanding cooperation in trade, defence and technology.
Netanyahu praised India’s support, saying Israel serves as a “defensive wall against barbarism” and that Modi’s visit would help “further reinforce our ties.”
The two leaders discussed economic cooperation and technological collaboration, with Modi highlighting potential partnerships in quantum technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
“We see a natural foundation for our forward-looking partnership,” Modi told Israeli lawmakers, citing India’s economic growth and Israel’s innovation ecosystem.
Modi is also scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
India and Israel are currently holding negotiations on a proposed Free Trade Agreement. According to India’s government, bilateral merchandise trade reached $3.62 billion in 2024–2025.
Cooperation between the two countries has expanded in recent years across defence, agriculture, cybersecurity and advanced technology sectors. Full diplomatic relations were established in 1992, with ties deepening after Modi took office in 2014.
Israeli drone technology played a role during India’s May 2025 military clash with Pakistan, while India’s Adani Group operates Israel’s Haifa port.
Modi’s visit has drawn criticism from opposition figures in India.
Priyanka Gandhi of the Congress party said she hoped the prime minister would also acknowledge the deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza during his address.
India, the world’s most populous nation, maintains diplomatic engagement across the Middle East while balancing relations with Israel and Palestinian authorities.
Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, becoming the first Indian prime minister to do so. Netanyahu made a reciprocal visit to India in 2018.