Top Takeaways From PM Modi’s Knesset Address: India–Israel Ties Written In Blood And Sacrifice

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday, receiving a standing ovation shortly after landing in Tel Aviv for a two-day state visit. The visit marked his second trip to Israel as Prime Minister and made him the first Indian leader in office to address the legislature.

During the visit he was also awarded the Speaker of Knesset Medal, the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament, for his role in strengthening bilateral strategic ties.

1. Terrorism, October 7 attack and solidarity with Israel

A major focus of the speech was counter-terrorism and India's public support for Israel following the October 7 attack.

Modi condemned the Hamas assault as a "barbaric terrorist attack" and said India stood firmly with Israel.

"I also carry with me the condolences of the people of India, for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered by the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. We feel your pain, and share your grief. India stands with Israeli firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond," he said.

He stressed both countries follow similar security doctrines.

India, he said, has a "consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism" with no double standards. He added that "terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere" and called for coordinated global action against terrorism.

2. Strategic partnership and defence cooperation

The Prime Minister highlighted expanding cooperation between the two countries, especially in defence and technology.

Addressing lawmakers, he said engagement between the nations had expanded "in scale and scope," and described India and Israel as trusted partners in an uncertain world. He emphasised that stronger defence ties were increasingly important and both countries were committed to deepening cooperation across sectors.

His visit and recognition by the Knesset symbolised the institutionalisation of the relationship beyond diplomacy into strategic alignment.

3. Civilisational links and Jewish community in India

Modi repeatedly framed the relationship as rooted in history rather than recent geopolitics.

Calling it a meeting of ancient civilisations, he said:

"I bring with me the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership."

He noted that Jewish communities have lived in India for centuries without persecution or discrimination and highlighted that India and Israel share links going back 2,000 years. He also remarked that he was born on the same day India formally recognised Israel.

4. Culture, peace efforts and people-to-people ties

Beyond security and strategy, the speech placed emphasis on cultural exchange and regional peace.

Modi supported the Gaza peace initiative, saying it held the promise of a "just and durable peace" and added that India joins Israel and the world "for dialogue, peace and stability in this region."

He also pointed to growing interest in Indian traditions in Israel.

"I am told that interest in Ayurveda is also growing. I invite more and more young Israelis to travel to India. They will witness the dynamism of our society and experience what holistic wellness can do for the body and mind," he said, noting the expansion of yoga participation in Israel.

The address combined symbolism, security policy and diplomacy. By linking counter-terror cooperation, shared civilisational history and cultural outreach, Modi presented the partnership as both strategic and societal, signalling that India-Israel relations now extend far beyond defence into a broader geopolitical and people-to-people relationship.