Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Israeli lawmakers that India stands “firmly” with Israel following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. Speaking at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, he said the people of India share Israel’s pain and grief over the lives lost.

“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. He added, “We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond.”

During his two-day visit, Modi also met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The visit aims to strengthen trade and defence cooperation between the two countries. However, it has also drawn criticism at home from those who believe India should speak more clearly about the suffering in Gaza.

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In his speech, Modi did not directly mention the tens of thousands of Palestinians killed during the more than two-year war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Still, he said India “supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability”.

Modi highlighted growing cooperation in technology and innovation. He said India’s rapid economic growth and Israel’s leadership in advanced technology create a “natural foundation” for a forward-looking partnership. He pointed to opportunities in quantum technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

This is Modi’s second visit to Israel as prime minister since taking office in 2014.

Earlier, a red carpet was rolled out at Ben Gurion Airport, where Netanyahu welcomed Modi with a warm hug. A spokesperson for Netanyahu said the two leaders share a “special and personal relationship”. After the welcoming ceremony, they held a private meeting, which Netanyahu described as a “real friendship”. Modi later called the meeting “excellent” in a post on X.