Last Updated on February 26, 2026 2:32 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Staff Reporter / New Delhi
The Communist Party of India (CPI) has strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel and his address to the Knesset, stating that the trip comes at a time when military operations continue in the Gaza Strip and tensions remain high in the West Bank.
In a statement, the CPI said the visit should not be viewed as a routine diplomatic engagement, arguing that it carries significant political implications amid the ongoing conflict in the region. The party expressed concern that while the Prime Minister conveyed condolences for Israeli lives lost in the October 7, 2023 attacks, there was no explicit reference in his speech to the humanitarian crisis and civilian casualties in Palestinian territories.
The CPI alleged that references to “shared values” and an expanded “strategic partnership” between India and Israel could be interpreted as endorsing Israeli government actions in the occupied Palestinian territories. It further stated that drawing parallels between Israel’s security operations and India’s fight against terrorism risks creating what it termed a “false moral equivalence.”
The party also raised objections to reports of India’s engagement with initiatives such as the proposed “Board of Peace” backed by US President Donald Trump. According to the CPI, any move that sidelines United Nations-mandated processes could undermine internationally recognised frameworks concerning Palestinian rights, including the principle of self-determination.
Another major concern flagged by the CPI relates to expanding defence cooperation between India and Israel. The party noted that India is among the largest importers of Israeli military equipment and cautioned that further strengthening of defence ties, including joint production and commercial agreements, may have broader geopolitical and ethical implications.
Calling for what it described as a correction in foreign policy direction, the CPI urged the Government of India to uphold what it termed India’s traditional commitment to anti-colonial solidarity, justice and peaceful resolution of international disputes. The party maintained that India’s diplomatic posture should reflect a balanced and principled approach in line with its historical support for the Palestinian cause.