Indian Prime Minister Modi visits Israel, highlights defense cooperation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Visits Israel, Signs Agreements with Netanyahu

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to Israel, during which he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and signed agreements on various issues, including innovation and agriculture. The visit began on Wednesday and was marked by a strong display of friendship between the two leaders.

Netanyahu welcomed Modi at Yad Vashem, a memorial in Jerusalem honoring the victims of the Holocaust, and hosted a dinner after they addressed the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset. This was Modi’s second visit to Israel, following his first trip in 2017, during which he also did not visit Palestine.

During his address to the Knesset, Modi expressed condolences for the lives lost and families affected by terrorist attacks, including the 2023 attack on October 7. He stated that India stands with Israel firmly and supports all efforts contributing to durable peace and regional stability.

Modi also threw his support behind the United States’ 20-point Gaza peace plan, stating that India “supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.” However, he did not mention the ongoing genocide in Gaza, where the Israeli army has killed over 72,000 Palestinians since October 2023.

The visit was seen as a significant moment in the strengthening of bilateral ties between India and Israel. The two countries have improved their relations since Modi became India’s prime minister in 2014, with a focus on defense and shared nationalistic leanings.

Key takeaways from Modi’s trip to Israel include:

• Modi received a standing ovation after declaring his support for Israel
• He expressed condolences for the lives lost and families affected by terrorist attacks
• India supports all efforts contributing to durable peace and regional stability
• The visit marked the second time an Indian leader had addressed the Knesset

The timing of Modi’s visit has been criticized, with some arguing that it compromises India’s historical support for the Palestinian cause.

Source: Al Jazeera