Israel – In a remarkable diplomatic gesture, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused a crucial security cabinet meeting on Thursday to take a phone call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Modi Netanyahu call occurred while the Israeli cabinet was actively discussing the ceasefire and hostage-release deal in Gaza, demonstrating the significance of India-Israel bilateral relations.
According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu temporarily halted the high-stakes deliberations to speak with his Indian counterpart. This unprecedented move highlights the strong personal rapport between the two leaders and the importance Netanyahu places on India’s support during critical moments.
Modi Congratulates Netanyahu on Peace Plan
The Modi Netanyahu call focused on congratulating the Israeli leader on the progress made under US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. Prime Minister Modi expressed India’s welcome for the agreement on hostage release and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, marking a significant diplomatic milestone.
This conversation between the two leaders came shortly after Modi had spoken with President Trump on the same issue, demonstrating India’s active diplomatic engagement with key stakeholders in the Middle East peace process. The timing of the Modi Netanyahu call underscores India’s balanced approach to regional conflicts.
Modi’s Social Media Statement
Following the Modi Netanyahu call, Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X to share details of the conversation. He wrote, “Called my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu, to congratulate him on the progress made under President Trump’s Gaza peace plan. We welcome the agreement on the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.”
Modi’s statement also included a firm stance on terrorism, emphasizing that India “reaffirmed that terrorism in any form or manifestation is unacceptable anywhere in the world.” This position reflects India’s consistent policy on counter-terrorism and its solidarity with nations facing security challenges.
Israeli PMO’s Official Statement
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released an official statement about the Modi Netanyahu call, confirming that Prime Minister Modi congratulated Netanyahu on the agreement reached for the release of all hostages. This statement emphasized the warmth and substance of the bilateral conversation between the two leaders.
According to the Israeli statement, PM Modi noted that Netanyahu has always been a close friend and assured that their friendship would remain strong. This personal dimension of the Modi Netanyahu call reflects the deep ties between the two nations and their leaders’ commitment to maintaining robust bilateral relations.
Netanyahu’s Gratitude to India
During the Modi Netanyahu call, Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his consistent support of Israel. The Israeli leader thanked Modi for standing with Israel during challenging times and acknowledged India’s important role in international diplomacy.
Both leaders agreed to continue working in close cooperation, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening the India-Israel strategic partnership. This agreement ensures that the Modi Netanyahu call represents not just a congratulatory exchange but a reaffirmation of ongoing bilateral collaboration.
Modi’s Earlier Statement on Gaza Peace Plan
Prior to the direct Modi Netanyahu call, Prime Minister Modi had already praised the efforts of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu to end hostilities in Gaza and facilitate hostage release. In his first reaction to the peace plan announcement, Modi tagged both American and Israeli leaders in a social media post.
Modi stated, “We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu.” This public endorsement preceded the personal Modi Netanyahu call and set the stage for direct bilateral engagement.
Humanitarian Concerns Emphasized
The Modi Netanyahu call included significant discussion about humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s population. Prime Minister Modi expressed hope that the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian aid would bring respite to affected people and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
This humanitarian dimension of the Modi Netanyahu call demonstrates India’s concern for civilian welfare in conflict zones and its commitment to supporting international peace efforts that prioritize human dignity and security.
Trump’s Peace Plan Background
The context for the Modi Netanyahu call stems from President Trump’s announcement that Israel and Hamas had agreed on the first phase of his comprehensive peace plan. This agreement includes a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners.
The development represents a culmination of intensive negotiations in Cairo involving US, Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari officials. The Modi Netanyahu call acknowledges this diplomatic achievement and India’s support for the US-backed 20-point plan to end the Gaza war.
India’s Balanced Diplomacy
The Modi Netanyahu call exemplifies India’s balanced approach to Middle Eastern affairs. By engaging with both Trump and Netanyahu on the Gaza peace plan, India demonstrates its commitment to supporting peace initiatives while maintaining relationships with all regional stakeholders.
This diplomatic strategy positions India as a responsible global power that contributes to international peace efforts without taking partisan positions in complex regional conflicts.
Strategic Partnership Reinforcement
The fact that Netanyahu paused a critical security cabinet meeting for the Modi Netanyahu call underscores the strategic depth of India-Israel relations. This gesture signals Israel’s recognition of India as a vital partner whose support and engagement matter during crucial moments.
The personal friendship between Modi and Netanyahu, repeatedly referenced during their conversation, provides a strong foundation for the broader strategic partnership between their nations. This relationship extends beyond government-to-government ties to encompass defense cooperation, technology sharing, and economic collaboration.
Future Cooperation Prospects
The Modi Netanyahu call concluded with both leaders agreeing to continue close cooperation, suggesting that India-Israel relations will remain robust regardless of regional developments. This commitment ensures continuity in bilateral engagement across multiple domains including security, trade, technology, and cultural exchanges.
