“India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment—and beyond”: Modi

Published February 25th, 2026 - 07:05 GMT
“India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment—and beyond”: Modi
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara watch Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sign the guestbook in the Chagall Hall in the Knesset, the Parliament, in Jerusalem on February 25, 2026. AFP
Highlights
Diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established in 1992, and ties have expanded significantly over the past decade

ALBAWABA- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared unconditional support for Israel during a historic address to the Knesset, becoming the first Indian leader to speak before Israel’s parliament.

“India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment, and beyond,” Modi said, delivering a clear message of solidarity as he condemned terrorism “unequivocally” and emphasized shared democratic values and the joint fight against extremism.

Modi’s two-day state visit marks a significant step in the deepening strategic partnership between India and Israel. In his speech, he highlighted expanding cooperation in defense, advanced technology, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism, describing these areas as essential to regional stability and global security.

The visit builds on growing defense collaboration between the two countries, including Israel’s recent offer of full technology transfer for the Iron Dome and Iron Beam missile defense systems as part of a reported $8.6 billion agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Modi as a “brother” and described the bilateral alliance as an “enormous multiplier” in addressing common security challenges.

Modi’s appearance at the Knesset comes amid ongoing regional tensions and reflects India’s increasingly visible role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The visit also aligns with Netanyahu’s broader proposal for a multi-country strategic framework, sometimes referred to as a “hexagon” alliance, bringing together India, Greece, Cyprus, selected Arab states, and African partners to counter regional security threats.

Diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established in 1992, and ties have expanded significantly over the past decade. Modi’s landmark speech not only reinforces India’s firm backing of Israel but also signals New Delhi’s readiness to play a more assertive role in shaping emerging security and economic alignments across the region.