Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Knesset, expressing solidarity with Israel and condemning terrorism, while highlighting the growing partnership between the two nations.

Calling it a rare honour, Mr Modi said he brought greetings from 1.4 billion Indians and described his address as a symbol of the warmth between the two democracies.

Condolences over October 7 attack

The Prime Minister conveyed condolences for the lives lost in the October 7 attack by Hamas. He said India shares Israel’s grief and stands firmly with the country “with full conviction in this moment and beyond”.

“Nothing can justify terrorism,” Mr Modi said, adding that India too has suffered from terror attacks for decades. He recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens, and reiterated India’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism without double standards.

Reference to Abraham Accords and regional hope

Referring to the Abraham Accords, Mr Modi said India had applauded the vision and courage shown at the time. While noting that the regional situation has since become more challenging, he stressed the importance of sustaining hope for peace.

Historic ties and expanding partnership

The Prime Minister said he was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel nine years ago and expressed happiness at returning. He also noted that he shares his birth date — September 17, 1950 — with the day India formally recognised Israel.

Recalling his earlier visit to Israel as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2006 and his 2017 trip as Prime Minister, Mr Modi said bilateral ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during the latter visit. Since then, he added, engagement has broadened across sectors.

He pointed to cooperation in innovation, mentioning the inauguration of the iCreate Technology Business Incubator in 2018 with then Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The incubator, he said, has since supported nearly 900 start-ups.

Shared civilisational values

Mr Modi said Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution and have preserved their faith while participating fully in society. He described this as a matter of pride.

Highlighting philosophical parallels, he referred to the Israeli concept of “Tikkun Olam”, meaning healing the world, and India’s belief in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which sees the world as one family. Both traditions, he said, call for compassion and moral courage beyond immediate boundaries.

He also acknowledged the contribution of Indian caregivers and skilled workers in Israel, noting their courage and dedication, including during the October 7 crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday, with a key defence agreement expected to be among the major outcomes of the trip.

According to sources, India and Israel are in advanced negotiations for a deal involving six mid-air refuelling aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The proposed agreement, estimated at around Rs 8,000 crore, would significantly strengthen India’s aerial refuelling capability.

Under the plan, an Israeli government-owned corporation is expected to collaborate with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to convert six pre-owned Boeing 767 passenger aircraft into military tanker jets for the IAF.

IAF’s long-pending tanker requirement

The Indian Air Force currently operates six ageing Russian-origin IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft. Efforts to procure additional tanker aircraft have remained unsuccessful for nearly two decades, leaving the force dependent on its limited fleet and, at times, leased aircraft to meet operational requirements.

If finalised, the new agreement would mark a significant upgrade in India’s aerial refuelling capacity, which plays a crucial role in extending the operational range and endurance of fighter jets and other aircraft.

Sources indicated that negotiations are ongoing, and the agreement is likely to be formalised in 2026.

High-level engagements in Israel

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. He will also address the Knesset and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.

In his departure statement, the Prime Minister described India and Israel’s relationship as a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership that has seen remarkable growth. He said he looks forward to discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas such as science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister noted that his address to the Knesset would mark the first time an Indian Prime Minister addresses the Israeli Parliament.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has predicted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will increase his visits to the state as the Assembly election, expected in April or May, draws closer.

Speaking ahead of the polls, the DMK president said the Prime Minister has already begun touring Tamil Nadu and is likely to visit frequently in the coming months. He claimed that such visits could create discomfort within the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), as alliance partners may fear the political impact of repeated appearances.

Stalin calls visit politically motivated

The Chief Minister described the Prime Minister’s scheduled programmes in the state as “politically motivated”. PM Modi is set to attend various events in Madurai in southern Tamil Nadu, including the inauguration of the first phase of the AIIMS hospital project. He is also expected to visit the Thiruparankundram Temple amid the Karthigai Deepam-related controversy and participate in a public meeting organised by the NDA.

Stalin said he has been working for all sections of the population, including those who did not vote for his party. In contrast, he remarked that some leaders are visible in the state only during election time and increase their visits as polls approach.

Criticism over Union Budget allocations

The DMK leader also criticised the BJP-led central government, accusing it of neglecting Tamil Nadu. He pointed out that while approval was recently granted for the Gujarat Metro project, there were no major announcements or allocations for Tamil Nadu in the Union Budget.

Stalin asserted that voters would remember the lack of significant measures for the state. He framed the upcoming election as a contest between Tamil Nadu and the NDA, stating that the state should be governed from Fort St George in Chennai rather than from Delhi.

The ruling DMK is currently allied with several smaller parties and, at present, the Congress, as it seeks a third consecutive term in office. Its principal rival, the AIADMK, is aligned with the BJP as part of the NDA.