PM Modi speaks to Israeli PM Netanyahu, exchanges New Year greetings and views on regional situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convey New Year greetingsAs reported by news agency ANI Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu also exchanged views on the regional situationPM Modi while posting on social media platform X said 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 IndiaIsrael Strategic Partnership in the year ahead We also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed our shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determinationAs per the reports this is the first direct conversation between PM Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the start of 2026Glad 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 IndiaIsrael Strategic Partnership in the year aheadWe also exchanged views on the regional situation andhellipmdash Narendra Modi narendramodi January 7 2026PM Modi on December 11 received a phone call from Netanyahu during which the two leaders reviewed the progress of the IndiaIsrael Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their shared stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism reported IANSAccording to an official statement PM Modi and Netanyahu expressed satisfaction with the steady advancement of bilateral cooperation and agreed to deepen collaboration across key areas for mutual benefitPM Modi while talking to Benjamin Netanyahu further reiterated Indias support for efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and just peace in the Middle East including the early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan Both PM Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and agreed to remain in close contactProviding details of the discussion PM Modi taking it to X also wrote Spoke with my friend Prime Minister Netanyahu We reviewed progress in the IndiaIsrael 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 regionNetanyahu indicates that USbacked Gaza ceasefire plan could begin very shortlyThe important call came at a time when Netanyahu indicated that the second phase of the USbacked Gaza ceasefire plan could begin very shortly Hamas however claimed Israeli violations and urged mediators to press Israel to comply with the agreementNetanyahus office also said it is working with Indian authorities to arrange a new date for his postponed visit to India The visit initially planned for December was deferred without a formal explanation though his office stressed that bilateral ties remain strong and that he has full confidence in Indias security under PM Modis leadershipWith inputs from ANI