Modi says ‘nothing can justify terrorism’
“India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond,” the Indian prime minister says, drawing a standing ovation in the Knesset.
Condemning the “barbaric” October 7, 2023, attacks, Modi said: “No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism.”
He added that India “has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time”.
“Like you, we have [a] consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards. Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust,” he said.
Hypocrite much...
Modi’s concludes Knesset address
- Modi said India and Israel are “trusted partners” whose relations are “vital” for trade and security.
- He said the two countries successfully signed a number of agreements, including the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) last year.
- “We are committed to further consolidating this relationship across many sectors,” he said.
- India’s prime minister praised the “synergy” between the two countries on topics including artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology.
- In ending his speech, Modi said, “Our partnership also contributes to global stability and prosperity. Let us ensure that our partnership remains a source of strength in an uncertain world.”
Last year, the two countries signed an investment agreement during a visit to India by far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. At the time, Indian Minister of Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman said the agreement aimed to boost bilateral trade and investment flows, stressing the need for greater collaboration in “cybersecurity, defence, innovation and high-technology” in particular.
Israel-India trade stood at $3.9bn in 2024, but the bulk of that was in the domain of defence and security with New Delhi being Israel’s largest weapons buyer.
What works with Trump, works with Modi
Modi says ‘humbled’ to receive ‘Medal of the Knesset’
The Indian prime minister is the first recipient of the so-called “Medal of the Knesset”, Israeli parliamentary Speaker Amir Ohana has announced.
“I accept it with humility and gratitude,” Modi wrote on social media.
“This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.”
I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset.
I accept it with humility and gratitude.
This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.
It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations.@KnessetENG https://t.co/OGtBMTsLuC pic.twitter.com/6H6Dt9sP6v
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026
