New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in a significant telephonic conversation on Wednesday, during which both leaders reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace initiatives in the Middle East. The Modi Netanyahu call centered on the Gaza Peace Plan implementation and the continued strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Gaza Peace Plan Takes Center Stage
During the Modi Netanyahu call, both leaders emphasized India’s support for efforts towards achieving peace in the region and the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. This discussion marked a crucial diplomatic engagement as the Middle East continues to navigate complex security challenges and humanitarian concerns.
PM Modi specifically emphasized India’s support for initiatives aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the region, including the early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. The Indian leader’s commitment during the Modi Netanyahu call reflects New Delhi’s consistent position on seeking peaceful resolutions to regional conflicts through diplomatic channels.
The timing of the Modi Netanyahu call is particularly significant given the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza and the international community’s efforts to establish long-term peace in the region. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts to ensure stability in West Asia.
Strengthening India-Israel Strategic Partnership
A major focus of the Modi Netanyahu call was the ongoing progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership. Both leaders welcomed the momentum in bilateral relations and expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation for mutual benefit.
“Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the continued momentum in India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening these ties for mutual benefit,” according to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. This aspect of the Modi Netanyahu call underscores the deepening relationship between the two democracies.
The India-Israel Strategic Partnership discussed during the Modi Netanyahu call encompasses multiple sectors including defense, agriculture, technology, and innovation. Both nations have consistently worked to expand their cooperation across various domains, making their partnership one of the most dynamic bilateral relationships in recent years.
Commitment to Meet Soon
A notable outcome of the Modi Netanyahu call was the agreement between both leaders to meet in person very soon. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office announced this development on social media platform X, highlighting the warm nature of their conversation.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke a short while ago with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the end of the warm and friendly conversation, the two leaders agreed to meet very soon,” the Israel PMO stated following the Modi Netanyahu call.
This commitment to an in-person meeting demonstrates the priority both nations place on high-level diplomatic engagement and the desire to advance their strategic partnership through direct dialogue.
Strong Stance Against Terrorism
During the Modi Netanyahu call, both leaders strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated their zero-tolerance stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. This shared position on counterterrorism remains a cornerstone of India-Israel relations.
The discussion on terrorism during the Modi Netanyahu call reflects the common security challenges both nations face and their collaborative approach to addressing extremist threats. This alignment on counterterrorism policy has been a consistent feature of diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.
Both leaders emphasized that terrorism, regardless of its source or justification, poses a fundamental threat to international peace and security. The Modi Netanyahu call reinforced their determination to work together in combating this global menace.
West Asia Developments Discussed
The Modi Netanyahu call also included an exchange of views on broader developments in West Asia. This regional focus demonstrates India’s growing engagement with Middle Eastern affairs and its role as a stakeholder in regional stability.
During the conversation, both leaders discussed the evolving geopolitical landscape in West Asia and the implications for regional security. The Modi Netanyahu call provided an opportunity to coordinate perspectives on various regional challenges and opportunities for peace-building.
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India’s approach to West Asia, as articulated during the Modi Netanyahu call, emphasizes dialogue, diplomacy, and support for peaceful resolution of conflicts affecting the region.
Context of Postponed Visit
The Modi Netanyahu call comes against the backdrop of Netanyahu’s postponed visit to India. The Israeli Prime Minister’s trip, which had been under discussion since 2023, was derailed following the October 7 Hamas attacks that triggered the current conflict in Gaza.
Authorities from both India and Israel had been considering a December visit, particularly with a ceasefire now in place in Gaza. However, Netanyahu’s office has indicated that the visit will likely take place early next year, making the Modi Netanyahu call an important interim engagement.
Maintaining Close Contact
Both Prime Ministers agreed during the Modi Netanyahu call to maintain close contact to ensure continued collaboration and dialogue on key regional and bilateral issues. This commitment to regular communication reflects the mature and multifaceted nature of India-Israel relations.
The agreement to stay in close touch following the Modi Netanyahu call ensures that both nations can coordinate effectively on emerging challenges and opportunities in their bilateral relationship and the broader regional context.
Future Bilateral Cooperation
The Modi Netanyahu call laid the groundwork for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors. Both leaders acknowledged that their strategic partnership continues to deliver tangible benefits for their respective populations through joint initiatives in technology, security, agriculture, and innovation.
As both nations look toward their upcoming in-person meeting, the Modi Netanyahu call served as an important diplomatic touchpoint, reinforcing shared values, common interests, and mutual commitment to peace and prosperity in their regions and beyond.
