Nine years ago, I had the good fortune to be the first Prime Minister of India to visit Israel. And I am very happy to be here again, returning to a land to which I have always felt drawn. After all, I was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel — September 17, 1950!

I 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 (2023). We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment, and beyond.

India 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. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere.

Some years ago, when you concluded the Abraham Accords, we applauded your courage and vision. It was a moment of new hope for a long-troubled region. Since then, the situation has changed significantly. The path is even more challenging. Yet, it is important to sustain that hope. The Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the UNSC offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support. We believe it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue.

In India, there is great admiration for Israel’s resolve, courage, and achievements. Long before we related to each other as modern states, we were linked by ties that go back more than........

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