Portrait of Narendra Modi
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Narendra Modi on Gaza

Pro-Israel alignment (strong)

TL;DR

Narendra Modi strongly aligns with Israel while condemning terrorism but conspicuously omitting criticism of the war in Gaza.

Key Points

  • He delivered a speech to the Israeli parliament on February 25, 2026, being the first Indian leader to do so.

  • During his Knesset address, he condemned the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, without mentioning Israeli actions in Gaza.

  • India abstained from several UN resolutions critical of Israel during the conflict, citing national interests and defense commitments.

Summary

Narendra Modi has publicly adopted a stance that firmly backs Israel while condemning the actions of Hamas following the October 2023 attacks. During an address to the Israeli parliament, he condemned the attacks as barbaric and stated that no cause justifies the murder of civilians, emphasizing that India stands firmly with Israel. This position has been criticized for its silence regarding the devastation and high Palestinian civilian death toll in blockaded Gaza. He also commended the Abraham Accords and focused heavily on deepening bilateral trade and defense ties with Israel.

His recent actions suggest a strategic pivot, moving India closer to the Israel-US camp despite traditional support for the Palestinian cause, which is now sometimes relegated to rhetoric. The relationship has been characterized by strengthening defense cooperation, with India being Israel's largest arms buyer and reportedly supplying defense items, including drones, during the conflict. While his country has previously supported UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire, the current high-profile visit and rhetoric prioritize the alliance with Israel over vocal support for Palestinian self-determination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Narendra Modi's position is characterized by a strong alignment with Israel, particularly in condemning the Hamas attack. However, his public statements during recent visits have conspicuously omitted direct criticism of Israel's military campaign and the resulting humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Yes, analysts suggest his stance has evolved, showing a marked pivot toward closer strategic and defense ties with Israel. This shift represents a move away from India's traditional, more balanced support for the Palestinian cause.

The Prime Minister condemned terrorism and the murder of civilians, stating that India stands firmly with Israel. He did not, however, address the ongoing devastation or the high death toll among Palestinians in Gaza during his parliamentary address.