India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and voiced strong support for Israel in a speech to the Knesset on Wednesday, as opposition lawmakers staged a partial boycott over a dispute involving the head of the Supreme Court.
Modi addressed a special session of parliament during a two-day visit to Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, opposition leader Yair Lapid and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana also spoke. Modi signed the Knesset guest book at the start of the ceremony.
The session was overshadowed by Ohana’s decision not to invite Supreme Court President Isaac Amit. Opposition parties said they would not boycott Modi’s speech but would walk out during the addresses by Netanyahu and Ohana in protest.
When Ohana opened the session, opposition lawmakers exited the plenum. Former lawmakers, including Pnina Rosenblum, Oren Hazan, Osnat Mark, Yehuda Glick and Shuli Mualem, took seats in the chamber in coordination with Ohana so it would not appear empty.
Opening his speech with “Shalom” in Hebrew and “Namaste” in Hindi, Modi called it “a great honor and privilege” to speak before the Knesset.
“I carry with me the deep condolences of the people of India for every life lost and every family shattered in the barbaric and brutal terrorist attack by Hamas on 7/10,” Modi said. “We share your pain. India stands with Israel in full solidarity at this moment and beyond. Nothing can justify the murder of civilians and terrorism. India has also suffered the pain of terrorism for a long time.”
Modi said India supports regional peace and stability and reiterated backing for the Abraham Accords, adding that India believes such efforts can lead to “a just and lasting peace for all peoples of the region, including addressing the Palestinian issue.”
He highlighted the historical ties between Indians and Jews, noting that Jewish communities lived in India without persecution and contributed to Indian society. “Israel is the land of the fathers and India is the land of the mothers,” he said.
Modi concluded his address by saying “Am Yisrael Chai,” a Hebrew phrase meaning “The people of Israel live,” drawing applause from lawmakers.
Modi ends his address with 'Am Israel Chai'
(Video: Knesset Channel)
Netanyahu praised Modi as “a true friend of Israel and a great leader of the world,” calling India a rising global power and emphasizing the shared democratic values of the two countries.
“Israel stands on the front line of civilization against radical Islam,” Netanyahu said. “We will break the axis of evil.”
Earlier in the day, Modi landed at Ben Gurion Airport, where he was welcomed by Netanyahu and his wife, Sara. In a post on X, Modi wrote: “Landed in Israel. I am extremely honored to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship.”
He is scheduled to visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and meet President Isaac Herzog on Thursday before holding expanded talks with Netanyahu and departing for India.
First published: 16:39, 02.25.26