Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the implementation of the Gaza peace plan and ways to strengthen their bilateral strategic partnership during a phone call on Wednesday. Modi reaffirmed India's support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region. The leaders reiterated their shared resolve to combat terrorism.
On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the implementation of the Gaza peace plan. The conversation, which included exchanging New Year greetings, also covered ways to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership and advance cooperation in counter-terrorism.
Modi posted on social media: "Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel. We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead." The leaders exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination.
According to an Indian government readout, the two leaders identified shared priorities to strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership in 2026, guided by a forward-looking vision, shared democratic values, and mutual trust. They reiterated a zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of terrorism and discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Last month, during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Israel, the two countries adopted a joint working plan to shape bilateral ties in 2026, covering diplomacy, security, economic issues, cyber, agriculture, and water. Several Israeli ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, visited India last year, during which a bilateral investment treaty was signed. Terms of reference for a free trade agreement were finalized during Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Israel in November. Netanyahu is expected to visit India in the near future.
