PM, Netanyahu discuss ties on phone amid hints of India visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, during which the implementation of the Gaza peace plan also figured alongside discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and counter-terrorism cooperation.

Netanyahu said he looked forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi in the near future, hinting at his upcoming visit to India.

In a post on X, Modi said the discussion focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and reviewing the evolving regional situation. India and Israel share close cooperation in several areas, including defence, security, technology, agriculture and innovation, with counter-terrorism remaining a key pillar of the relationship.

According to an official statement, Netanyahu briefed Modi on the status of the Gaza peace plan. PM Modi reaffirmed India’s consistent support for efforts aimed at achieving a just and durable peace in the region, underscoring New Delhi’s commitment to stability and dialogue.

The two leaders also exchanged New Year greetings and wished peace and prosperity to the people of both countries. They identified shared priorities to further deepen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead, guided by shared democratic values, deep mutual trust and a forward-looking vision.

Reiterating their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Modi and Netanyahu reaffirmed their resolve to jointly combat the menace. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to remain in touch.

Netanyahu said he discussed with PM Modi the strength of India-Israel relations and how both countries could unleash the boundless potential of this partnership for the benefit of people. “I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi in the near future to continue these discussions in person,” the Israeli PM said.