Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has staunchly defended Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, pledging India’s unwavering support for the country despite growing accusations of genocide against Palestinians.

In a speech delivered to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, on Wednesday — the first day of his two-day visit to Israel — Modi received a standing ovation as he reaffirmed India’s “full conviction” in standing by Israel.

This visit marks the first time an Indian leader has addressed the Knesset.

“India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond,” Modi stated, condemning the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led fighters as “barbaric” and adding that “no cause can justify the murder of civilians.”

Earlier, Modi was greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport, where a welcoming ceremony was held.

Netanyahu expressed gratitude to India for its support, referring to Modi as “more than a friend, a brother” and emphasising the shared “common interests” between the two nations.

While Modi hailed the deepening ties between India and Israel, he also reiterated New Delhi’s “strong support” for the Gaza peace initiative approved by the United Nations Security Council in November.

Modi termed India and Israel’s relationship as “vital,” particularly in terms of trade, security, and technological cooperation.

New Delhi is currently Israel’s largest arms buyer, as it has spent $20.5 billion on the purchase of Israeli weapons between 2020 and 2024.

Modi’s support for Israel has sparked criticism in India, particularly in the wake of the Gaza conflict, where Israel’s military actions have led to the deaths of at least 72,073 Palestinians and injuries to 171,756 others.

Over 600 deaths occurred during the so-called “ceasefire” agreed upon between Israel and Hamas in October.

Marian Alexander Baby, leader of the Communist Party of India, condemned Modi’s embrace of Israel, calling it a “betrayal of India’s anti-colonial legacy.”

Baby criticised Modi for distancing India from its long-standing support for Palestinian self-determination, which has been repeatedly reaffirmed in United Nations resolutions that India has co-sponsored and voted for.