In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. The leaders discussed enhancing the strategic partnership between the two nations and exchanged views on the regional security situation.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties in the New Year
Prime Minister Modi described Netanyahu as his "friend" and conveyed his New Year greetings to the Israeli leader and the people of Israel. The conversation, which took place via a phone call, marked the first direct communication between the two Prime Ministers since the beginning of 2026.
The core of the discussion revolved around advancing the India-Israel Strategic Partnership. Both leaders explored concrete ways to deepen bilateral cooperation across several key sectors in the coming year. This partnership has been a cornerstone of foreign policy for both nations, encompassing areas like defence, agriculture, water technology, and innovation.
Shared Resolve Against Terrorism
A major point of consensus during the call was the shared threat of terrorism. Prime Minister Modi stated that both sides "reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination." This mutual commitment underscores the common security challenges faced by India and Israel and their intent to collaborate closely on counter-terrorism efforts.
Furthermore, the two leaders exchanged perspectives on the evolving regional situation. While the details of this exchange were not publicly disclosed, it is understood to cover developments impacting the broader geopolitical landscape relevant to both countries.
A Forward-Looking Dialogue
Prime Minister Modi shared the key takeaways from the conversation in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He expressed his gladness at speaking with his friend and highlighted the forward-looking nature of their talks.
This high-level interaction sets the tone for bilateral relations in 2026, indicating a continued focus on strengthening the strategic and security dimensions of the India-Israel relationship. The dialogue reinforces the robust and multi-faceted ties that have been consistently nurtured over the past years.
