India is expected weapons deal

Tel Aviv (dpa) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed bilateral relations with Israel on Wednesday in a speech to parliament in Jerusalem.

Modi also expressed his country’s deep condolences for the victims of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

“We feel your pain, we share your grief,” Modi told the Knesset.

“India stands with Israel with full conviction in this moment and beyond. Nothing can justify terrorism. Conquering terrorism demands sustained global action.”

Modi spoke out in favour of a peace settlement in the region. US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan opens up a possible path in that direction, he said in the first address by an Indian prime minister to the Knesset.

The plan strengthens hopes for a just and lasting peace in the region, also with regard to the Palestinians’ quest for an independent state, Modi asserted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Modi was “more than a friend, a brother.” Israel and India had formed an “open alliance.” India always stood by Israel, including in the fight against anti-Semitism.

Modi announced a deepening of strategic relations. According to media reports, the sale of Israeli air-defence systems, including laser defence weapons, is likely to be finalized.

The Israeli ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, told Channel 12 that India should be given access to “sensitive technologies.”

According to Israeli media, India should in turn offer Israel an alternative should there be renewed arms embargoes imposed on the Jewish state.

Israel hopes to improve relations with India. Modi last visited Israel in 2017. He was the first Indian prime minister to visit the Jewish state.