Nothing can justify terrorism: PM Modi
New Delhi, Feb 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a forceful condemnation of terrorism in his address to the Knesset, declaring that ìno cause can justify the murder of civiliansî and asserting that India and Israel share a long and painful history of terror.
Referring to the October 7 attacks by Hamas, PM Modi said, ìI 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 terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment, and beyond.î
In one of the strongest lines of his speech, he said, ìNo cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism.î
Drawing parallels with Indiaís own experience, the PM said, ìIndia 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.î
He said that terrorism was not just a security threat but a direct assault on societies and development.
ìTerrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development, and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere,î PM Modi said.
Reaffirming Indiaís global position, he said, ìThat is why, India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.î
While backing Israelís right to security, the PM also underlined the need for a broader peace framework in West Asia.
Referring to the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council, he said, ìWe believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine Issue.î
PM Modi said that the road to peace was not always easy,î PM Modi said, ìBut India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace, and stability in this region.î
His address, marked by repeated references to shared suffering and solidarity, positioned India and Israel as partners united by ìzero toleranceî against terror and a common resolve to pursue peace without compromising on principles.
PTI adds to the report
Terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere, PM Modi said in his address, even as he threw New Delhi's weight behind the Gaza peace initiative, saying it holds the promise of a "just and durable peace" in the region.
Like Israel, India has a "consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards," PM Modi said while conveying India's deepest condolences to the families who lost their near and dear ones in the terror attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
His address to the Knesset, Israel's house of representatives, came hours after he landed in the country to a rousing welcome with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu along with wife Sara receiving him at the Ben Gurion airport.
"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 terrorist attack by Hamas," the PM said.
"We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly and with full conviction in this moment and beyond. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism," he said.
PM Modi said India had 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," he said. "Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That is why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability."
The PM said that the Gaza peace initiative "offers a pathway".
"The Gaza peace initiative that was endorsed by the UN Security Council offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support for the initiative," he said. "We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity. The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region."
In India, there is a great admiration for Israel's resolve, courage, and achievements, PM Modi said.
