After a ceremonial signing of the official Knesset guestbook, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset on Wednesday, condemning the Oct. 7 attack and expressing solidarity with the people of Israel.

Modi opened his speech with the traditional greetings in Hebrew and Hindi, “Shalom” and “Namaste.” He said it was “a great honor and privilege” to speak to the Knesset.

“I carry with me the deep condolences of the people of India for every life lost and every family shattered in the barbaric and brutal terrorist attack by Hamas on 7/10,” Modi said. “We share your pain. India stands with Israel in full solidarity at this moment and beyond. Nothing can justify the murder of civilians and terrorism.”

“India has also suffered the pain of terrorism for a long time,” he added.

The prime minister also spoke of India’s strong support for peace and stability in the region and praised the Abraham Accords. While India is not actively trying to join the agreements, the country strongly supports the Accords and is working to use them to increase regional cooperation. He said he believes the Accords will bring “a just and lasting peace for all peoples of the region, including addressing the Palestinian issue.”

He also pointed to the millennia-long history of India’s favorable treatment of Jews. Jews fleeing from persecution arrived in India 2,000 years ago and have enjoyed two millennia almost completely free of antisemitic harassment and persecution. One notable exception occurred when Portugal colonized Goa in the 16th century and expelled the Jews from the region.

“Israel is the land of the fathers and India is the land of the mothers,” Modi declared, concluding his speech by saying, “Am Yisrael Chai.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Modi for being “a true friend of Israel and a great leader of the world.” He noted that the two countries share democratic values and pointed to India as an emerging global power.

He also said that “Israel stands on the front line of civilization against radical Islam.”

“We will break the axis of evil,” he concluded.

Earlier that day, Modi posted on X after landing at Ben Gurion Airport, where he was greeted by Netanyahu and his wife:

“Landed in Israel. I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship.”

India’s prime minister is scheduled to visit Yad Vashem and meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday.