New Delhi, Jan 08, 2026 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation on Wednesday, focusing on the implementation of the Gaza peace plan and ways to deepen the India-Israel strategic partnership.

The discussion came as part of a New Year exchange, with Netanyahu briefing Modi on recent developments regarding Gaza. In response, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s “consistent support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region,” according to an official government readout.

The two leaders also reviewed areas of mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism. Modi highlighted India’s commitment to intensifying the fight against terrorism, echoing Israel’s stance, while both emphasized a shared zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of terrorism.

“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.

The conversation also covered regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two sides identified priorities for 2026 that would strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership, guided by shared democratic values, mutual trust, and a forward-looking vision.

This dialogue follows several recent high-level exchanges, including a visit by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Israel last month, where a joint working plan for 2026 was adopted. The plan spans diplomacy, security, economic cooperation, cyber, agriculture, and water sectors.

In the past year, several Israeli ministers visited India, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, during which a bilateral investment treaty was signed. Later, during Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Israel, the two countries finalized the terms of reference for a free trade agreement, marking significant steps toward expanding trade and investment between the two nations.

Netanyahu is expected to visit India in the near future, further consolidating the growing strategic and economic ties between the two countries.