'We will build iron alliance against threat of radical Islam’: Benjamin Netanyahu to PM Modi

Benjamin Netanyahu

• India and Israel pledge 'iron alliance' against terrorism
• PM Modi condemns Hamas attack, pledges India's support to Israel
• Leaders emphasize collaboration on IMEC transport project

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Speaking on special efforts needed to mitigate threats posed by 'radical Islam', Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said both nations -- India and Israel will build an 'iron alliance' of countries 'in the face of radical Islam.'

Addressing the Knesset, ahead of PM Modi, the Israeli PM said: “We are facing radical Islam, which endangers the entire world and the free nations, we will together build an iron, steadfast alliance, an alliance of countries that believe in moderation, progress, and human dignity.

He also thanked PM Modi for his support for Israel following the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack, saying, “after this murderous attack, you stood in such a clear way, so moral, so sharp… We will never forget this.”

He also added that the two countries are together developing the IMEC initiative, a US-backed transport project that aims to connect India to Europe via the Middle East by sea and rail.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to the Israeli Parliament condemned the "barbaric terrorist attack" by Hamas on October 7, 2023, saying, "We feel your pain, we share your grief." "No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism," the PM said. "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 civilians."

Conveying the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership, he said it is an honour to speak as a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another.

"India stands with Israel firmly with full conviction in this moment." "Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region," he added.

"When you signed the Abraham Accords, we applauded your courage and vision," adding that it is a moment of new hope for a long-troubled region.

PM Modi asserted that just like Israel, India has a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance against terrorism, with no double standards. “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 peace and regional stability,” he added.