In his address to the Israeli Parliament Knesset on February 25, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the October 7 attack by which organization?

The correct answer is: Hamas. The correct answer is Hamas (Option at index 1). Prime Minister Modi specifically condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas as a “barbaric terrorist attack”. Option at index 0, Hezbollah, is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group, but was not specified in the context of the October 7 attack. Option at index 2, Islamic Jihad, is a Palestinian Islamist organization, but was not specified in the context of the October 7 attack. Option at index 3, Al-Qaeda, is a multinational militant organization, but was not specified in the context of the October 7 attack.

In which year did Prime Minister Narendra Modi address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, where he condemned the October 7 Hamas attack?

The correct answer is: 2026. The correct option is index 2 (2026) because Prime Minister Modi addressed the Knesset on February 25, 2026. The option at index 0 (2025) is incorrect because it is the year before the actual event. The option at index 1 (2027) is incorrect because it is the year after the actual event. The option at index 3 (2024) is incorrect because it is two years before the actual event.

Consider the following statements regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel in February 2026: 1. During his address to the Knesset, he condemned the Hamas attack that occurred on October 7, 2023. 2. He was conferred with the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' during his visit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is: Both 1 and 2. Both statements are correct. The option at index 2 is correct because both statements accurately reflect information presented in the article. The Prime Minister did condemn the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, and he was indeed conferred with the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal'. The option at index 0 is incorrect because statement 2 is also correct. The option at index 1 is incorrect because statement 1 is also correct. The option at index 3 is incorrect because both statements are correct.

Consider the following statements regarding India-Israel relations as of February 2026: 1. India has expressed firm support for the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the U.N. Security Council. 2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's February 2026 visit marked his first official visit to Israel. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is: 1 only. The option at index 0 is correct because India did express support for the Gaza Peace Initiative. The option at index 1 is incorrect because the article mentions this was Prime Minister Modi's second visit to Israel after nine years. Therefore, statement 2 is false.

India ‘stands firmly’ with Israel, Modi tells Knesset

India's Stance on West Asia: PM Modi Addresses Israeli Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel for the second time in nine years, addressing the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. During his address, he reaffirmed India's strong support for Israel and condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. He also outlined India's vision for peace in the region and discussed strengthening bilateral ties.

Background

The visit comes in the backdrop of heightened tensions in West Asia following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. India has historically maintained a balanced foreign policy in the region, fostering strong ties with both Israel and various Arab nations. This visit underscores India's commitment to its relationship with Israel while also advocating for regional peace and stability.

Key Points

Condemnation of Terrorism:
- PM Modi strongly condemned the October 7 Hamas attack as a "barbaric terrorist attack," expressing the "deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost."
- He stated that India "stands firmly, with full conviction" with Israel.
- He drew parallels with India's own struggle against terrorism, citing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack (which killed citizens of India, Israel, and other countries).
- PM Modi emphasized India's "consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, with no double standards."
Support for Peace Initiatives:
- PM Modi expressed firm support for the Gaza Peace Initiative, which was endorsed by the U.N. Security Council.
- He stated that this initiative "offers a pathway" and "holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue."
Strengthening Bilateral Relations:
- PM Modi highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance India-Israel bilateral relations across various sectors:
  - Water management
  - Agriculture
  - Talent partnership
- He confirmed discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on "key developments" in the region.
- Economic Cooperation:
  - India is committed to expanding trade with Israel.
  - Both sides are working on "cross-border financial linkages" using "Digital Public Infrastructure."
  - An ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is under negotiation to "unlock the vast untapped potential in our trade relationship."
Historical and Cultural Ties:
- PM Modi noted that India's ties with the Jewish community are rooted in ancient trade and movement of people.
- He highlighted the "great admiration of Israel’s resolve, courage and achievements" in India.
- He specifically mentioned the absence of discrimination against the Jewish community in India, referring to historic communities in Kerala, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Regional Diplomacy and Abraham Accords:
- India has supported Israel's efforts to build friendly ties with countries in West Asia and North Africa.
- PM Modi praised Israel's moves to build relationships with Arab countries under the Abraham Accords, calling them a display of "courage and vision." He acknowledged that while the situation has changed and the path is more challenging, it is important to "sustain that hope."
Recognition and Appreciation:
- PM Modi was conferred with the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal'.
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed PM Modi, stating that he "did not flinch" and that under his leadership, India provided support to Israel during challenging times. Netanyahu specifically thanked Modi for standing "for Israel" and "for the Jews."

Exam Relevance

This article is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, particularly for General Studies Paper 2 (GS-2) and aspects of General Studies Paper 3 (GS-3).

GS Paper 2: International Relations

India and its neighborhood- relations: While Israel is not a direct neighbor, its regional context in West Asia significantly impacts India's foreign policy and energy security.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests:
- India-Israel bilateral relations (strategic partnership, economic cooperation, defense ties).
- Abraham Accords and their impact on West Asia and India's engagement with the region.
- Gaza Peace Initiative and India's role in global peace efforts.
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora: The Israel-Palestine conflict and West Asian stability directly affect India's energy interests, trade routes, and the large Indian diaspora in the region.
Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate: Role of the U.N. Security Council in endorsing peace initiatives.

Likely Question Angles:

Analyze India's evolving foreign policy towards West Asia, specifically its balancing act between Israel and Arab nations.
Discuss the significance of India-Israel strategic partnership, highlighting key areas of cooperation like defense, agriculture, and technology.
Evaluate the potential impact of the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on bilateral trade and India's economic interests.
Examine India's consistent stance on terrorism and its implications for global counter-terrorism efforts, referencing specific incidents like 26/11 and the October 7 Hamas attack.
What is the significance of the Abraham Accords for regional stability in West Asia, and how does India view these developments?
Discuss India's historical and cultural ties with the Jewish community and how they contribute to India's soft power diplomacy.

GS Paper 3: Internal Security

Linkages between development and spread of extremism; Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security; Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention; Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism: While not directly about internal security, India's "zero tolerance" policy on terrorism and its condemnation of attacks like October 7 and 26/11 reflect its broader security concerns, including cross-border terrorism and the role of non-state actors. The mention of "Digital Public Infrastructure" and "cross-border financial linkages" also touches upon aspects of cyber security and financial integrity.