It is our profound honor to welcome the leader of the world’s largest democracy — a defining statesman of our time.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi.

Namaste.

Narendra, my dear friend, I am deeply moved by your visit here today.

I've never been more moved than by your visit here with us, a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance.

I said, “Narendra, my dear friend.” These are not just words. I would almost venture to say, “more than a friend — a brother.” In many ways, brothers.

Now, when you were last here, we, the two of us, were on the Mediterranean coast, and I said, “Why don't we take off our shoes and go into the water?” — which we wanted to purify — and we did, with Israeli technology.

Almost 80 years ago, we both emerged from British rule and achieved our independence at nearly the same time.

We share so many common interests. We are two democracies. You are a gigantic democracy, and Israel is one as well.

Think about what we had to do, what we had to go through, and how we maintained our democracy.

Israel is stronger than ever and India is stronger than ever.

India is a space power, one of the greatest space powers, so the sky is not the limit.

Right after the terrible massacre on October 7th, immediately after the murderous attack, you stood so clearly, so morally, so firmly by Israel.

You didn't flinch. You didn't waver. You didn't give excuses.

You stood next to Israel. You stood by Israel. You stood for Israel. You stood for the truth.

Thank you, my friend.

Israel continues to stand at the forefront of civilization against radical Islam.

The mother base of radical Islam is the Middle East.

But the lava that erupts from this zealotry is spreading to every continent and country.

In a world where antisemitism is rising, India stands out as a civilization where Jews were never persecuted by the state — only welcomed.

We don't forget that. Thank you, India.

We are facing radical Islam, which endangers the entire world and the free nations, we will together build an iron, steadfast alliance — an alliance of countries that believe in moderation, progress, and human dignity.

An alliance grounded in mutual respect, between nations that sanctify life.

Together, we are willing to fight against those who worship death and seek to drag us back to the Dark Ages.

In the First World War, when we were still under Ottoman occupation, those who helped us liberate this country included the British Army, in which there were Jewish fighters.

But also brave Iranian soldiers and commanders, who fought like lions in the battle for the liberation of Haifa.

When the forces were pushed back, who stormed forward and gave their lives? Indian commanders.

We never forget that. They gave their lives for us.

We are developing together the IMEC initiative. It is a land and sea corridor that will connect India through the Arab Peninsula to the Haifa port, and from here to the Mediterranean and Europe.

And IMEC, this sea and land corridor, will only thrive and exist if it goes through stable and safe countries. And there are no stronger and safer countries on this axis than Israel and India.

And therefore, I would like to welcome your commitment that Israel will be a connecting link between Asia and Europe through the port of Haifa.

I am sure the day will come when a Bollywood movie is made about the brotherhood between our nations.

I promise you — it will be a huge hit.

I was born on the same day that India formally recognized Israel, on September 17, 1950.

We feel your pain. We share your grief.

India stands with Israel, firmly and with full conviction at this moment and beyond.

There is a 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 2,000 years.

India's connection to this land is also written in blood and sacrifice.

During the First World War, more than 4,000 Indian soldiers laid down their lives in this region.

The cavalry charge at Haifa in September 1918 remains a significant chapter in military history.

For the last few years, India has been the fastest growing major economy in the world.

Soon, we will be among the top three economies globally.