Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Knesset this afternoon (Wednesday), together with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Indian Prime Minister wrote in the Knesset's guest book: "I am honored to be the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset. India and Israel share a deep commitment to freedom, pluralism and the rule of law. Our shared values are the foundation for a strong and deep partnership between the two peoples. We will continue to work together to promote peace, innovation and prosperity, and contribute to a just, fair and sustainable world."
Prime Minister Netanyahu noted in his speech, "Israel is stronger than ever, and India is stronger than ever. Either the jihadist axis of evil will break us or we will break it. And we are breaking it and will break it, thanks to the heroism of our fighters."
He noted the strong bond between the countries and between him and Narendra Modi, and mentioned how the Indian leader was one of the first to stand by Israel after the murderous terrorist attack on October 7.
Netanyahu told his Indian counterpart: "In a world where antisemitism is rising, India stands out. A civilization where Jews were never persecuted by the state, only welcomed. We don't forget that. Thank you, India."
“Narendra, my dear friend, I am deeply, deeply moved by your visit here today," Netanyahu said. “Because I have to be diplomatic, I will not rank it. I’ll get into trouble. But I’ve never been more moved than by your visit here with us, a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, and a great leader on the world stage."
Prime Minister Modi, in his address, expressed his condolences for the casualties of the October 7 massacre and the subsequent war, stating that "the response to terrorism should be zero tolerance."
"I 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 said. “We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly with full conviction in this moment and beyond."
He proclaimed that India stands with Israel "firmly with full conviction."
At the end of his remarks, the Indian Prime Minister proclaimed "Am Yisrael Chai," the Hebrew phrase which means, "The People of Israel Live."