Modi continues Israel visit, invokes so-called 'Biblical axis' in Knesset speech

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his visit to Israel on Thursday, a day after invoking what he characterised as ancient Biblical ties between the two nations and reaffirming India’s unwavering support for Israel during an address to the Knesset.

Speaking on Wednesday in the Israeli parliament, Modi referenced the Book of Esther and the Talmud to highlight what he alleged to be civilisational bonds stretching back more than two millennia.

"The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu," he said, adding that Jewish communities had lived in India "without persecution".

The remarks were widely interpreted as advocating a so-called "biblical axis" between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, which has also been promoted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Modi also used the speech to defend Israel's genocide in Gaza, saying India stands with Israel "firmly, with full conviction".

The address, delivered on the first day of his two-day trip, marked the first time an Indian prime minister had spoken before the Knesset and was met with a standing ovation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Modi as "more than a friend, a brother", thanking India for "standing by" Israel and praising the countries' deepening strategic ties.

India is Israel's largest arms buyer, spending more than $20 billion on Israeli weapons between 2020 and 2024. Trade between the two countries reached $3.9 billion in 2024, largely driven by defence and security cooperation. In September 2025, the two sides signed a bilateral investment treaty aimed at expanding economic ties.

Modi's continued embrace of Israel comes amid mounting international scrutiny of Israel's conduct in Gaza. More than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, while Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice and Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant are wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes.

Back home, Modi has faced criticism from opposition figures who argue his stance undermines India’s long-standing support for Palestinian self-determination.

India was among more than 100 countries last week condemning Israeli moves toward annexation in the occupied West Bank.

Despite that, Modi has framed the relationship with Israel as "vital" for trade, security and emerging technologies, pledging to further consolidate cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and defence.

His visit follows earlier reciprocal trips in 2017 and 2018, which marked a turning point in relations between the two countries.