‘India stands with Israel’: PM Modi condemns Hamas attack, calls for dialogue on Palestine in historic Knesset speech

Addressing the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed India’s unwavering solidarity with Israel, strongly condemning the October 7 terror attack by Hamas while also stressing the need for dialogue and peace to address the Palestinian issue.

Underlining India’s long-standing stance against terrorism, PM Modi said no cause could justify the killing of civilians and recalled India’s own experience with terror attacks.

“No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards,” he said.

#WATCH | Jerusalem, Israel: Addressing the Israeli Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and… https://t.co/V6i5dcBD8spic.twitter.com/cApoO22Td7

— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026

Modi warned that terrorism posed a global threat that transcends borders and must be confronted through collective international action.

“Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That is why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability...,” he added.

Highlighting India’s civilisational ties with the Jewish people, the Prime Minister spoke about the country’s unique history of religious coexistence and tolerance.

“…Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination. They have preserved their faiths and participated fully in society...,” he said.

Turning to prospects for peace in West Asia, PM Modi expressed India’s support for international efforts aimed at stabilising Gaza and addressing the Palestinian issue through dialogue.

“The Gaza Peace Initiative, which was endorsed by the UN Security Council, offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support for the initiative. 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. 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 said.

Modi said the Trump administration-led Gaza Peace Initiative is a just and durable solution for the people of the region.

“Gaza Peace Initiative holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. The road to peace is not always easy but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region,” Modi said during his speech.

Recalling the deep historical bond between the two nations, the Prime Minister noted the symbolic connection between his own birth date and India’s formal recognition of Israel, and conveyed India’s condolences to the victims of the Hamas attack.

“I was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950. 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 7th. We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond,” he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi received a rousing welcome at the Knesset, with Israeli lawmakers chanting “Modi, Modi.”

Netanyahu said he was deeply moved by Modi’s visit, describing him as a “great friend”, a “great champion” and a “great leader”, and adding that the Indian Prime Minister was “more than a friend, a brother.”