New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which the two leaders discussed the Gaza Peace Plan, exchanged New Year greetings, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. The interaction underscored the close strategic partnership between India and Israel and their intent to further strengthen bilateral ties in the coming year.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Prime Minister Netanyahu briefed PM Modi on the implementation and current status of the Gaza Peace Plan. The two leaders also conveyed their best wishes for peace and prosperity to the people of both nations at the start of the New Year.
Netanyahu briefs Modi on Gaza Peace Plan
The PMO statement said that during the conversation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provided an update on efforts related to the Gaza Peace Plan. While specific details of the plan were not disclosed, the discussion took place amid ongoing international attention on the situation in the region.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s long-standing and consistent support for initiatives aimed at achieving a just, durable and sustainable peace in the region. India has traditionally maintained a balanced position on West Asia, supporting dialogue and diplomatic efforts while emphasising the need for stability and humanitarian considerations.
“The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s consistent support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region,” the PMO statement said.
New Year greetings and shared values
Both leaders began their conversation by exchanging warm New Year greetings. They extended wishes for peace, prosperity and well-being to the citizens of India and Israel, reflecting the friendly and cordial nature of bilateral relations.
Officials said the exchange highlighted the deep mutual trust between the two countries, rooted in shared democratic values and a forward-looking approach to global and regional challenges.
Focus on India–Israel strategic partnership
During the call, PM Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu identified key priorities to further strengthen the India–Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead. The partnership spans multiple areas, including defence cooperation, security, agriculture, water management, innovation, and high technology.
The leaders agreed that sustained engagement and close coordination would be essential to advance bilateral cooperation and to respond effectively to emerging global challenges.
“They identified shared priorities to further strengthen the India–Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead, guided by shared democratic values, deep mutual trust and a forward-looking vision,” the statement said.
Zero tolerance towards terrorism
A key highlight of the conversation was the strong emphasis placed by both leaders on counter-terrorism. PM Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
They reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism with greater determination, underscoring cooperation in intelligence sharing, security collaboration and global efforts to counter extremist violence.
“They reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their commitment to fight this menace,” the PMO statement noted.
Exchange on regional and global issues
In addition to bilateral and regional matters, the two leaders also exchanged views on broader regional and global developments of mutual interest. Officials said the discussion reflected a shared understanding of evolving geopolitical dynamics and the need for continued dialogue.
PM Modi and Netanyahu agreed to remain in touch and continue consultations at various levels to further strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two countries.
PM Modi’s message on social media
Following the conversation, Prime Minister Modi shared details of the call in a post on social media platform X. He described Netanyahu as a friend and reiterated the key outcomes of their discussion.
“Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel,” PM Modi said in his post.
He added that the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the India–Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead and reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination.
Conclusion
The telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reflects the strong and multifaceted relationship between India and Israel. With discussions covering the Gaza Peace Plan, counter-terrorism cooperation and future priorities for bilateral ties, the interaction highlights the continued engagement between the two countries at the highest level. As global and regional challenges persist, sustained dialogue and cooperation are expected to remain central to the India–Israel partnership.