No cause can justify murder of civilians: PM Modi condemns October 7 Hamas attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Knesset, stating 'India stands with Israel firmly with full conviction' following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Modi, who became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset, expressed India's deepest condolences for lives lost in the terrorist attack. He emphasised that 'no cause can justify the murder of civilians' and 'nothing can justify terrorism', highlighting India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Modi referenced the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and stressed that 'terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere'. He expressed support for the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council, stating it 'holds the promise of a just and durable peace'. Modi announced plans to expand Indo-Israeli agricultural centres of excellence from 43 to 100, benefiting millions of farmers. He highlighted the growing bilateral partnership in defence, innovation, technology, and trade, with negotiations underway for an ambitious free trade agreement. Modi received the Knesset Award, the highest honour from the Israeli legislature, for strengthening diplomatic relations between the two nations.