New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace in the Middle East and discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel strategic partnership. The conversation also underscored the shared determination of the two countries to combat terrorism and promote regional stability, while emphasizing India’s support for the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan.

According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the discussion between the two leaders highlighted the ongoing progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership. Both Modi and Netanyahu expressed satisfaction with the continued momentum in bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their determination to strengthen these ties for the mutual benefit of their countries.

“Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the continued momentum in India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening these ties for mutual benefit,” the PMO said in a press release.

Plans for an Upcoming Meeting

Following the conversation, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed on X that the two leaders agreed to meet very soon. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke a short while ago with Indian Prime Minister @NarendraModi. At the end of the warm and friendly conversation, the two leaders agreed to meet very soon,” the statement read. This announcement has fueled anticipation for high-level engagements between the two countries, signaling that both nations are keen to consolidate and advance their strategic and diplomatic ties.

The planned meeting carries added significance, given that Netanyahu’s earlier scheduled visit to India had been postponed. The visit, which had been in discussion since 2023, was derailed following the October 7 Hamas attacks in Gaza. Authorities in India and Israel had considered rescheduling the visit for December, following the ceasefire in Gaza. However, Netanyahu’s office has now indicated that the visit will likely take place early next year, allowing both countries to engage in direct discussions on key regional and bilateral issues.

Shared Stance Against Terrorism

During the telephonic call, both Prime Ministers strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated their zero-tolerance stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They highlighted the importance of joint cooperation to prevent and counter terrorism and extremism globally. PM Modi and PM Netanyahu acknowledged that combating terrorism remains a shared priority for both India and Israel, given the security challenges that both nations face in their respective regions.

By reaffirming a zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism, the leaders emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation and intelligence-sharing in addressing the global threat posed by extremist groups. Their discussions reflected a convergence of perspectives on security, with both leaders agreeing that peace and stability in the West Asia region are critical not only for regional prosperity but also for global security.

Support for Gaza Peace Plan

A key aspect of the conversation was India’s continued support for initiatives aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the West Asia region. PM Modi emphasised that India strongly supports the early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan, which aims to address long-standing conflicts in the region and promote peace and stability for all parties involved.

The Gaza Peace Plan, developed through international consultations and regional dialogues, seeks to create conditions for a durable ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction in Gaza, while also addressing broader political and security concerns in the region. India’s support for the plan reflects its consistent foreign policy approach, which emphasises dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful resolution of conflicts in West Asia.

The conversation between Modi and Netanyahu underscored India’s role as a constructive partner in global peace initiatives, highlighting its commitment to supporting regional stability and humanitarian relief efforts. By endorsing the Gaza Peace Plan, India signals its readiness to contribute to long-term peace in the region while balancing its strategic and diplomatic relations with key stakeholders, including Israel and the Palestinian authorities.

Bilateral and Strategic Cooperation

The telephonic conversation also provided an opportunity for both leaders to review ongoing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. India and Israel have a robust strategic partnership encompassing defense, technology, trade, agriculture, water management, and innovation. Over the years, the partnership has strengthened, with both countries benefiting from shared expertise, joint research initiatives, and collaborative projects aimed at fostering economic growth and technological advancement.

The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact to ensure continued collaboration and dialogue on key regional and bilateral issues. The discussions reflect a mutual desire to not only deepen defense and technological cooperation but also to leverage bilateral ties for broader geopolitical engagement in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia regions.

Israel has traditionally been a key partner for India in defense and technology sectors, while India’s growing diplomatic presence and economic influence in West Asia have created opportunities for both countries to enhance trade, investment, and cultural ties. This strategic partnership has also extended to multilateral platforms, where both nations often align on issues such as counterterrorism, climate change, and innovation-led development.

Context of the Delayed Visit

Netanyahu’s planned visit to India, originally discussed since 2023, was postponed due to the Hamas attacks on October 7, which escalated the security situation in Gaza. The postponement reflected the sensitivity and complexity of engaging in high-level diplomatic visits amid ongoing conflict in the region. Following the ceasefire, both countries had considered rescheduling the visit in December 2025, but it has now been indicated that the trip will likely occur in early 2026.

The rescheduled visit is expected to provide a platform for in-depth discussions on regional security, economic cooperation, technological innovation, and joint efforts to combat terrorism. It also offers an opportunity to reinforce the India-Israel strategic partnership at a time when both nations face evolving geopolitical challenges in their respective regions.

Looking Ahead

The recent telephonic conversation between PM Modi and PM Netanyahu reaffirms the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement between India and Israel. By prioritizing dialogue, strategic cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace and security, both leaders are seeking to strengthen ties that extend beyond immediate bilateral concerns to broader regional and global challenges.

India’s support for the Gaza Peace Plan signals its role as a proactive and constructive partner in global peace efforts, emphasizing diplomacy, humanitarian assistance, and conflict resolution. Simultaneously, Israel’s engagement with India highlights its recognition of India’s strategic significance as a partner in trade, technology, defense, and regional security.

As the anticipated visit by PM Netanyahu draws closer, both countries are expected to advance ongoing initiatives, explore new avenues for cooperation, and consolidate their strategic partnership. The dialogue between Modi and Netanyahu demonstrates that despite global uncertainties, both nations remain committed to fostering peace, stability, and mutual prosperity through sustained collaboration and strategic engagement.

Conclusion

The telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscores a multifaceted partnership that blends strategic cooperation, technological collaboration, and shared commitment to regional peace and security. By reaffirming India’s support for the Gaza Peace Plan, condemning terrorism, and committing to ongoing dialogue, both leaders have signaled a renewed focus on constructive engagement and mutual benefit.

With the rescheduled high-level visit on the horizon, the India-Israel partnership is poised to enter a new phase of cooperation, addressing both bilateral priorities and broader regional challenges. The conversation serves as a reminder that diplomacy, dialogue, and shared strategic vision remain essential tools in addressing complex geopolitical issues while strengthening enduring partnerships in an increasingly interconnected world.