"Nothing can justify terrorism," said PM Modi.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Knesset, Israel's parliament-- a rare honour that underscores the political warmth between the two democracies.
Here are PM Modi's top quotes from the speech:
- I bring with me the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of frenzy, respect, and partnership. I'm the first Prime Minister of India to address this august gathering.
- Nine years ago, I had the good fortune to be the first Prime Minister of India to visit Israel. And I am very happy to be here again, returning to a land to which I have always felt drawn. After all, I was born on the same day that India formally recognized Israel—September 17, 1950.
- 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 terror attack by Hamas on October 7. We feel your pain; we share your grief. India stands firmly with Israel and with full conviction in this moment and beyond.
- 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.
- Some years ago, when you concluded the Abraham Accords, we applauded your courage and vision. It was a moment of new hope for a long-troubled region. Since then, the situation has changed significantly. The path is even more challenging. Yet it is important to sustain that hope.
- Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination. They have preserved their faith and participated fully in society. That record is a source of pride for us.
- My own first visit to Israel was in 2006, as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Later, in 2017, during my visit to Israel as Prime Minister, our two countries elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. Since then, our engagement has expanded in scale and scope. And we are committed to further consolidating this relationship across many sectors.
- Israel is often called the "start-up nation". In recent years, we have also been working to unlock the innovation and creativity of our youth. I recall that in 2018, Prime Minister Netanyahu and I inaugurated the iCreate Technology Business Incubator in India. Since then, it has supported nearly 900 such start-ups.
- I am aware that Indian caregivers and skilled workers in Israel contribute immensely to families and communities. They have displayed remarkable courage and dedication in times of crisis, including on October 7. We are proud of them.
- We are both ancient civilizations. And it is perhaps no surprise that our civilisational traditions also reveal philosophical parallels. In Israel, the principle of Tikkun Olam speaks of healing the world. In India, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam affirms that the world is one family. Both ideas extend responsibility beyond immediate boundaries. They ask societies to act with compassion and moral courage.
