In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu held a detailed telephone conversation on Wednesday, January 8, 2026. This marked their first call in the new year and the second such interaction within a month, underscoring the ongoing high-level dialogue between the two nations.
Key Discussions on Gaza and Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Netanyahu provided a comprehensive briefing to PM Modi regarding the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. In response, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's consistent position, expressing support for efforts aimed at achieving a just and durable peace in the region. The leaders also used the opportunity to exchange New Year greetings and extend wishes for peace and prosperity to the citizens of both countries.
Beyond the immediate regional situation, the conversation focused on the robust India-Israel Strategic Partnership. Both leaders identified shared priorities to further deepen this partnership in the coming year. They emphasized that this relationship is guided by shared democratic values, deep mutual trust, and a forward-looking vision.
Unified Stance Against Terrorism and Future Engagements
A major point of convergence was the reiteration of a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared resolve to combat this global menace with greater determination, a point later highlighted by PM Modi in a post on social media platform X.
In a development pointing to continued diplomatic momentum, the two sides are actively discussing plans to schedule Netanyahu's visit to India. If finalized, this would be the Israeli leader's first trip to the country since 2018. The leaders agreed to remain in touch on various bilateral and global issues.
Context of Recent Engagements and India's Evolving Position
This call follows a previous conversation on December 10, 2025, where PM Modi had similarly reaffirmed India's support for a peaceful resolution. Prior to that, the leaders spoke in October, with Modi congratulating Netanyahu on the progress under the Gaza plan.
India's stance on the Israel-Palestine issue has seen nuanced evolution. While New Delhi was strongly supportive of Israel following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, it has subtly adjusted its position over the subsequent year-and-a-half as the Palestinian death toll rose due to Israel's military actions. India's balanced approach calls for an end to the conflict while avoiding overt criticism of Israel's specific actions under Netanyahu's leadership.
The Gaza agreement itself stems from indirect talks held in Egypt, forming part of a broader framework initiated during the Trump administration. The call between Modi and Netanyahu highlights the continued importance both nations place on their strategic dialogue, even as they navigate complex regional geopolitics.
