Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Israel, on Wednesday addressed the country’s Parliament, the Knesset. As he began his address, PM Modi received a standing ovation from the Knesset members, who also chanted ‘Modi, Modi’.
The Prime Minister called for a sustained and coordinated global action to counter terrorism. He reiterated India’s support to the Gaza Peace Plan and offered condolences to those who lost their lives during the barbaric October 7 Hamas attack.
The Israel Parliament also conferred “Speaker Of The Knesset Medal” upon PM Modi, who became the first India Prime Minister to address the Knesset.
Below are the top quotes of PM Modi’s Knesset address
“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.”
“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. We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond!,” PM Modi said.
“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.”
“Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, block development and erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That’s why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.”
“Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, block development and erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That’s why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.”
“Nine years ago, I had the good fortune to be the first PM of India to visit Israel, and I’m very happy to be here again, returning to a land to which I always felt drawn. After all, I was on the same day that India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950.”
“The Holocaust stands as one of humanity’s darkest chapters. Yet, even in those turbulent years, some acts of humanity stood out. The Maharaja of Nawanagar in Gujarat, also known as the Jam Saheb, offered refuge to Polish children, including Jewish children, who had nowhere else to turn.”
In Israel, the principle of Tikkun Olam speaks of healing the world. In India, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam affirms that the world is one family.
Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination. They have preserved their faith and participated fully in society.