PM Modi, Israel's Netanyahu discuss Gaza peace plan, terrorism in New Year phone call
PM Modi, Israel's Netanyahu discuss Gaza peace plan, terrorism in New Year phone call
M.U.H
07/01/202649
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu exchanged New Year greetings and discussed key aspects of the India-Israel strategic partnership, the Gaza peace process and cooperation in countering terrorism, by telephone on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders wished the people of both countries peace and prosperity and identified shared priorities for expanding bilateral cooperation in the year ahead. They said the partnership would continue to be guided by shared democratic values, deep mutual trust and a forward-looking vision.
Netanyahu briefed PM Modi on the implementation status of the Gaza Peace Plan, a US-backed diplomatic framework aimed at ending the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict and advancing a sustainable ceasefire. Modi, in turn, reaffirmed India’s consistent support for efforts aimed at achieving a just and durable peace in the region.
The two leaders also reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and underlined their continued commitment to work together to combat violent extremism and transnational terror threats. PM Modi noted that terrorism has no place in the world and emphasised the need to halt regional tensions.
Their conversation touched upon the evolving regional situation in West Asia and global developments of mutual interest, reflecting both sides’ interest in close diplomatic engagement.
PM Modi described Netanyahu as a “friend” in a social media post soon after the call and highlighted their shared resolve to strengthen strategic ties.
The call is the first direct interaction between the two leaders in 2026 and follows several exchanges last year in which India repeatedly voiced support for peace initiatives in Gaza and expressed satisfaction at the continued momentum in bilateral cooperation. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to remain in touch.
India and Israel share close cooperation across a range of sectors, including defence, security, agriculture, technology and innovation. In recent years, the strategic partnership has expanded steadily, supported by regular political dialogue and growing people-to-people and economic ties.
