A wave of fervor swept through Israel’s Knesset Wednesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke, capping the first day of his two-day Jerusalem trip. Reflecting on a decade since his debut visit, Modi beamed with happiness at this renewed engagement.
He swiftly addressed the harrowing Hamas incursion on October 7, conveying India’s profound condolences and solidarity. ‘We share your grief fully,’ Modi stated, insisting that nothing sanctifies the killing of innocents. India’s own terrorism ordeals, notably the 26/11 attacks claiming Israeli lives, forged this empathy, he noted.
Praising the discrimination-free haven for Jews in India, where they thrive culturally and socially, Modi hailed it as national pride. He stressed the imperative for worldwide, perpetual anti-terror efforts, as threats transcend frontiers, with India ever committed to Israel’s peace endeavors.
Modi chronicled his bond: 2006 as Gujarat leader, 2017 as PM cementing strategic status, and beyond. Israel’s ‘Startup Nation’ ethos galvanizes India’s innovation ecosystem, seen in joint efforts like I-Create’s support for 900 startups and a massive AI summit uniting global reps last week.
On economics, commitments abound for heightened trade, investment security via bilateral treaty, and infrastructure co-development. Modi’s address crystallized a dynamic partnership rooted in shared values and ambitious futures.