In a significant diplomatic exchange, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday briefed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the implementation of the Gaza peace plan while the two leaders discussed strategies to deepen the India–Israel bilateral strategic partnership. The conversation, which took place over a phone call, also touched upon counterterrorism cooperation and other areas of mutual interest, reflecting the increasingly multifaceted nature of the India–Israel relationship.

The discussion occurred against the backdrop of growing regional tensions in the Middle East, particularly surrounding Gaza, and follows a series of high-level visits and agreements aimed at expanding cooperation between the two countries across economic, technological, and security domains. Netanyahu is expected to visit India in the near future, and this conversation served as a precursor to what is anticipated to be a more intensive engagement between the two governments in 2026.

Gaza Peace Plan and India’s Support

During the call, Prime Minister Netanyahu briefed Prime Minister Modi on the current status and next steps of Israel’s Gaza peace plan. In response, Modi reaffirmed India’s “consistent support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region,” highlighting India’s long-standing position on supporting dialogue, stability, and humanitarian considerations in conflict zones.

Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to extend New Year greetings to Netanyahu and the people of Israel. “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,” Modi wrote on social media. He further added that the two leaders had exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed their shared determination to combat terrorism.

The discussion underscored India’s commitment to regional stability in the Middle East while emphasizing the importance of Israel as a strategic partner. Officials indicated that Modi reiterated India’s belief that efforts for peace must be inclusive, sustainable, and anchored in mutual respect for sovereignty, security, and humanitarian imperatives.

Strengthening the India–Israel Strategic Partnership

The conversation between Modi and Netanyahu went beyond Gaza, focusing on the broader framework of India–Israel relations, which have expanded rapidly over the last decade. Both leaders expressed a desire to identify and implement shared priorities for 2026 that will strengthen their bilateral strategic partnership, guided by a forward-looking vision, shared democratic values, and mutual trust.

The Indian government noted that the two leaders reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of terrorism, emphasizing the need for proactive cooperation in counterterrorism efforts. They discussed regional and global developments, sharing perspectives on challenges that affect both countries and the broader democratic world.

The two countries have recently formalized a joint working plan for 2026 during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Israel. This comprehensive plan encompasses diplomacy, security, economic cooperation, cyber technology, agriculture, and water management, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the India–Israel partnership. Officials described the plan as a roadmap for deeper collaboration across strategic, technological, and commercial sectors.

Economic and Trade Cooperation

Over the past year, economic engagement between India and Israel has expanded, marked by high-profile ministerial visits and landmark agreements. Israeli ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, visited India last year to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. During Smotrich’s visit, the two countries signed a bilateral investment treaty that is expected to enhance investor confidence and facilitate greater cross-border business collaborations.

In November, India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal visited Israel, during which both sides finalized the terms of reference for a free trade agreement. This agreement is anticipated to create a more liberalized trade environment, reduce tariffs, and strengthen economic ties between the two nations. The focus on trade, investment, and technology cooperation reflects a shared interest in creating sustainable growth and leveraging complementary strengths, from Israel’s expertise in technology, cybersecurity, and agriculture to India’s vast market and skilled workforce.

Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation

Counterterrorism remains a cornerstone of India–Israel relations. Both Prime Ministers reiterated the need for a zero-tolerance approach toward all forms of terrorism. India and Israel have historically cooperated in intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and strategic security measures. The recent discussions reaffirmed their commitment to deepening such cooperation, particularly in light of evolving global threats.

The strategic partnership is built on trust developed over years of shared interests in defence technology, military collaboration, and intelligence exchange. The leaders acknowledged that the 2026 roadmap would focus on enhancing capabilities in high-tech defence systems, cyber resilience, and counterterrorism intelligence sharing, ensuring both nations are better prepared to address emerging security challenges.

Regional and Global Implications

The India–Israel dialogue comes at a time of heightened geopolitical activity in the Middle East and South Asia. Both leaders shared assessments of regional dynamics, noting that collaborative approaches are essential for promoting peace, stability, and security. The conversation also reflected a recognition of the interconnectedness of regional security, economic prosperity, and technological advancement in addressing contemporary global challenges.

Analysts suggest that India–Israel relations serve as a model for pragmatic, mutually beneficial partnerships. While both countries have distinct strategic priorities, their cooperation demonstrates how shared democratic values, innovation-driven economic policies, and security imperatives can create a framework for sustained bilateral engagement.

Future Prospects

Netanyahu’s planned visit to India is expected to further consolidate the growing partnership. Discussions are likely to include advanced technology transfer, joint research in agriculture and water management, and enhanced collaboration in cybersecurity and space technologies. Experts anticipate that India–Israel cooperation will also expand to address global challenges such as climate change, food security, and public health innovations.

The leaders’ discussion of Gaza illustrates India’s balanced foreign policy approach, emphasizing dialogue, peace, and humanitarian considerations, while simultaneously fostering a strong strategic partnership with Israel. The engagement signals a continuation of India’s broader policy of leveraging multilateral and bilateral relationships to enhance national security, economic development, and global standing.

Conclusion

The phone conversation between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu represents a clear commitment by both countries to deepen their strategic partnership, enhance economic ties, and cooperate on security and counterterrorism. With agreements on investment, trade, technology, and a joint 2026 roadmap, India and Israel are set to expand their collaboration across multiple sectors, reflecting a mature and forward-looking bilateral relationship.

As Netanyahu prepares for his upcoming visit to India, the focus will remain on consolidating progress, implementing the joint working plan, and exploring innovative avenues for cooperation. Both leaders have underlined their shared resolve to fight terrorism, promote regional stability, and advance development goals, reinforcing India–Israel ties as a model of strategic collaboration grounded in democratic values, mutual trust, and shared global responsibilities.

In 2026, the India–Israel partnership is poised to witness renewed momentum, with strategic, economic, and technological initiatives at the forefront of bilateral engagement, ensuring a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship that contributes to regional stability and global progress.