No Justification For Terror: India Shows Solidarity With Israel, Links 2023 Hamas Attack To Cross-Border Terrorism
Misri said that as a victim of cross-border terrorism, India empathises deeply with Israel's pain. Image courtesy: RNA
India has been long facing counter-terrorism but always shown solidarity with peace. The country’s long-standing commitment to peace and its deep-rooted ties with Israel were underscored on Wednesday (Janaury 28, 2026) as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri drew a stark parallel between the October 2023 Hamas terror attack on Israel and India’s own experience as a victim of cross-border terrorism.
Speaking at an International Holocaust Remembrance Day event in New Delhi, the Foreign Secretary said India instinctively empathises with nations scarred by terrorism, having endured similar trauma at home. “Terrorism has to be condemned in all its forms and manifestations,” he stated.
Parallels with the Hamas attack on Israel
Referring to the killing of around 1,200 Israeli nationals and the abduction of hundreds during the October 7 Hamas attack, Foreign Secretary Misri said India is “too familiar with such mindless brutality.” In a veiled reference to the April 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the foreign secretary highlighted India’s own painful history with cross-border terrorism.
“India is unfortunately too familiar with such mindless brutality, having been a victim of cross-border terrorism ourselves. We empathise immediately with those who undergo the same tragedy,” Misri noted.
India’s stance on October 7 Hamas terror attack
Misri recalled that India had strongly condemned the Hamas attack and reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of solidarity with Israel.
“This is why we not only condemned this horrific terrorist attack and hostage-taking, but also our Prime Minister clearly stated that India stands with the people of Israel in the fight against terrorism,” he said, reaffirming the close strategic and emotional bond between the two democracies.
What does Holocaust Remembrance mean in today’s world?
Reflecting on the enduring relevance of Holocaust remembrance, Misri warned against the dangers of hatred and dehumanisation in contemporary societies. “The Holocaust did not begin with the extinguishing of life. It began with words—words of hatred, words of dehumanisation, words of exclusion,” he said.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day, marked annually on January 27, commemorates the six million Jews killed under the Nazi regime during World War II.
With this, he cautioned against the normalisation of prejudice, discrimination and silence. Misri further stressed that remembering the victims is not only an act of remembrance but also a moral commitment to ensure such crimes against humanity are never repeated.
Calling acts of remembrance “acts of moral courage,” Misri said they ensure that ‘never again’ remains a solemn responsibility, not just a slogan. He also paid tribute to Holocaust survivors, praising their resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable suffering. “We honour those who endured and chose life, dignity and resilience,” he added.
Where does India stand on peace in West Asia?
Reaffirming India’s principled stand against terrorism in all its forms, Misri said New Delhi has consistently supported genuine efforts aimed at peace and stability in West Asia. Referring to recent developments, he said the US-led Gaza Peace Plan offers a possible pathway to long-term and sustainable peace.
“The ceasefire and the release of hostages have brought immense relief, as families are reunited. We hope these efforts lead to a peaceful and durable resolution of regional conflicts,” he said.
