‘We feel your pain’ - In first speech to Knesset, Indian PM Modi emphasizes solidarity with Israel

During his speech to the Knesset plenum on Wednesday evening, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of the strong ties between his nation and the Jewish state. 

He also spoke of the long history of Indian and Jewish peoples, saying, “it is a privilege and an honor for me to stand before this distinguished house. I do so as the Prime Minister of India and also as a representative of one ancient civilization addressing another.” 

Modi tied his own story to the story of Israel, noting, “I was born on the same day that India formally recognized Israel, September 17, 1950.” 

He also spoke of the pain the people of India felt because of the Hamas atrocities on October 7, 2023. 

“Honorable members, 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,” Modi shared. “We feel your pain. We share your grief.” 

“India stands with Israel firmly with full conviction in this moment and beyond,” Modi continued, saying, “No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism.” 

The prime minister said that India itself has “endured the pain of terrorism for a long time.” 

“We remember the 26-11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens,” he noted, regarding the countries’ shared experience with terror attacks. “Like you, we have consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards.” 

Modi share of his hope for a chance for peace, noting that India had “applauded” Israel’s courage in negotiating the Abraham Accords. 

“Since then, the situation has changed significantly. The path is even more challenging. Yet, it is important to sustain that hope,” he declared. 

He praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza Peace Initiative, saying India believes “it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region including by addressing the Palestine issue.” 

Noting that he had come to Israel to discuss partnerships with the Jewish State, Prime Minister Modi referred to the historical connections between the Jewish people and India, including the settling of Jewish merchants in India, even in ancient times. 

“Long before we related to each other, at the modern stage, we were linked by ties that go back more than 2,000 years,” Modi stated. “The book of Esther refers to India as ‘Hodu'. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times. Jewish merchants traveled across sea routes that connected the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean. They came seeking opportunity and dignity. And in India, they became one of us.” 

“Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination,” Modi continued. “They have preserved their faiths and participated fully in society. That record is a source of pride for us.” 

He referred to the various groups in India which claim to trace back to even Biblical times. 

“Honorable members, the Bene Israel of Maharashtra, the Cochini Jews of Kerala, the Baghdadi Jews of Kolkata and Mumbai, and the Bene Menace of the Northeast have enriched India,” he shared. 

“In my home state Gujranath, there is a school set up by a Bene Israeli family, Mr. and Mrs. Best,” Modi noted, engaging in a humorous aside. “It is an excellent school and of course it is called the ‘Best School.’” 

He spoke of notable Jewish people who have helped shape India modern history, speaking with pride of the Indian Jews who immigrated to Israel. 

“Honorable members, there was movement from India to Israel too,” Modi recounted, “when many Indian Jews migrated to Israel in the mid 20th century. Today a vibrant Indian origin Jewish community lives here. They are contributing to the building of modern Israel in laboratories and hospitals, in classrooms and also on the battlefield. They hold firmly that Israel is their fatherland and India their motherland. We are proud of them.” 

Modi spoke of how Israeli agricultural innovations, such as drip irrigation have revolutionized Indian farming techniques, and spoke of how the respect between the nations became “a strategic partnership” during his first visit to Israel, recounting various economic and technology partnerships which developed from that time. 

Modi spoke of similar values shared by both cultures as he concluded his address. 

“Honorable members, our shared ideals are the deep foundations that give strength to our modern partnership,” he state. “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. It does ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world. Am Israel Chai. Jai Hind.”