Netanyahu hails ‘iron alliance’ with India as Modi pledges support for Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to deepen bilateral ties on Wednesday, describing relations between their countries as an emerging “iron alliance” during Modi’s historic address to the Israeli parliament.

Speaking at a special session of the Knesset plenum — the first time an Indian prime minister has addressed the Israeli legislature — Netanyahu said Israel and India were “at the height of their strength”, asserting that both nations share common democratic values.

“We will build an iron alliance of nations that believe in moderation and progress,” Netanyahu said, describing Israel and India as “two ancient nations” that have strengthened a growing public partnership across political, economic and technological fields. He added that Israel, like India, is “a bastion of democracy in a savage world”.

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Modi, in his address, affirmed that “India stands with Israel at this moment and beyond”, offering condolences to the victims of the 7th October 2023, which he described as a “cruel and brutal terrorist attack”.

Netanyahu praised Modi’s leadership and highlighted expanding cooperation between the two countries, noting that bilateral trade has doubled in recent years alongside increased collaboration in innovation, technology, health and welfare sectors.

He described India as a rising global power and “an Asian lion surging toward further growth and prosperity”, crediting economic reforms and development initiatives under Modi’s government.

The address was widely viewed as a symbolic milestone reflecting the deepening strategic and diplomatic relations between Israel and India.

OPINION: India’s hyphenated ties with Israel betray its past stand for decolonization