Modi Knesset address backs Gaza Peace Initiative and reiterates zero tolerance for terrorism

In a Knesset address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsed the Gaza Peace Initiative as a route to just, durable regional peace. He expressed solidarity with Israel, offered condolences for lives lost in the Hamas attack on October 7 2023, and reaffirmed India’s zero tolerance for terrorism, urging coordinated global action.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Knesset that the UN Security Council-backed Gaza Peace Initiative offered a route to lasting peace. Modi also delivered a message of support for Israel after the Hamas attack. Modi said terrorism must be opposed in every place. Modi said India followed a strict policy against terrorism.

The address came a few hours after Modi reached Israel and received a welcome. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the event with other senior leaders. Modi marked the first speech by an Indian prime minister to Israel’s parliament. Modi said India stood with Israel after the violence of October 7 2023.

Gaza Peace Initiative and terrorism message

"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 2023,\" Modi said. \"We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment, and beyond.\"

\"No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism,\" Modi said. Modi said India had faced terrorism for many years. Modi recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the civilians who died. Modi noted that Israeli citizens were also among the victims. Modi said India had \"zero tolerance\" with \"no double standards\".

Modi said terror groups sought to weaken societies and slow development. Modi added that fear damaged trust within communities. Modi said global action needed to be steady and well coordinated. Modi linked local violence to wider risks for peace. Modi said, \"terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere.\" Modi said India supported steps that improved stability.

Gaza Peace Initiative and regional diplomacy

Modi referred to changes in the Middle East in recent years. Modi mentioned Israel signing the Abraham Accords with several countries. Modi said the agreements raised hopes for a troubled region. Modi added that conditions had altered since then. Modi said the road now looked harder. Yet Modi said hope needed to continue.

\"The Gaza Peace Initiative that was endorsed by the UN Security Council offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support for the initiative,\" Modi said. \"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,\" he said.

\"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 added. Modi linked India’s stance to diplomacy and dialogue. Modi presented the plan as central to regional calm. Modi said peace efforts should keep going.

Gaza Peace Initiative and India-Israel ties

Modi said many people in India respected Israel’s resilience and achievements. Modi said ties between the two societies went back over two thousand years. Modi called both countries democracies shaped by history. Modi said both focused on the future. Modi said the partnership rested on shared experiences and aspirations. Modi said strong ties also aided global stability.

Modi spoke about defence cooperation as a key part of the relationship. \"In todays uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance,\" Modi said. Modi said India and Israel also signed an MoU on Defence Cooperation in November last year. Modi framed security links as essential.

Gaza Peace Initiative and trade, investment, and innovation

Modi highlighted India’s economic growth and Israel’s technology strength. \"For the last few years, India has been the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies globally,\" he said. Modi said Israel led in innovation and technology. Modi said this combination supported trade growth, investment, and infrastructure cooperation.

Modi said a bilateral investment treaty signed last year improved certainty for businesses. Modi listed India’s trade agreements with other partners. Modi said these included the European Union and the UK in the West. Modi also listed the UAE and Oman in the East. Modi said India-Israel goods trade had grown, but more potential remained.

\"That is why our teams are working hard to negotiate an ambitious Free Trade Agreement. It will unlock the vast untapped potential in our trade relationship,\" he said. Modi said India was working to boost youth innovation. Modi said Israel was called the start-up nation. Modi recalled a joint launch in 2018 linked to technology incubation.

\"I recall that in 2018, Prime Minister Netanyahu and I inaugurated the iCreate Technology Business Incubator in India. Since then, it has supported nearly 900 such start-ups,\" he said. Modi said cooperation would also use other formats. Modi cited the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor. Modi also cited the I2U2 framework with India, Israel, the UAE and the US.

Modi’s Knesset speech combined support for Israel with calls for peace talks and regional stability. Modi backed the Gaza Peace Initiative as the main pathway to a just peace. Modi also highlighted counter-terror policy and global coordination. Modi outlined deeper ties in defence, trade, and innovation. Modi said the partnership aimed to serve national interests and wider stability.

With inputs from PTI