NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received a phone call from Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, during which the two leaders discussed the India–Israel strategic partnership, condemned terrorism, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.“Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a telephone call from the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu today. 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 a press release from Prime Minister’s Office.
“The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. PM Modi reaffirmed India’s support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region, including early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch,” the statement further revealed.PM Modi also talked about the call from his “friend” saying, “Spoke with my friend Prime Minister Netanyahu. We reviewed progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and agreed to further strengthen our cooperation. Also reaffirmed our shared commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism. India supports all efforts aimed at achieving a just and durable peace in the region.”Meanwhile, the official X account of Prime Minister of Israel also confirmed the phone call while revealing that both leaders discussed plans to meet. “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,” it said.This comes after Netanyahu’s visit to India was postponed. Neither side had formally announced the visit. Netanyahu’s trip has been pending since 2023, when the October 7 Hamas attacks derailed a planned bilateral engagement. With a ceasefire now in place with Gaza, albeit a fragile one, both Indian and Israeli governments had been exploring the possibility of a December visit. However, as Netanyahu’s office indicated, India and Israel are now looking at alternative dates, and the visit is expected to take place early next year.
