Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to convey New Year greetings and review progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received a phone call from his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, who shared an update on the Gaza Peace Plan and reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terror.
”The two leaders warmly exchanged New Year greetings and wished the people of both countries peace and prosperity,” a statement from the prime minister’s office said.
It said Netanyahu briefed the prime minister on the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan.
”The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s consistent support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region,” the statement said.
In a post on X, Modi said they also reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination.
”Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel,” Modi said.
”We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead,” he said.
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.
We also exchanged views on the regional situation and…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2026
Modi and Netanyahu identified shared priorities to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead, guided by shared democratic values, deep mutual trust and a forward-looking vision.
”They reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their commitment to fight this menace,” the statement said.
Modi and Netanyahu also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to remain in touch.
This is the first direct conversation between the two leaders since the start of 2026.
PM Modi, on December 11, received a phone call from Netanyahu, during which the two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their shared stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism.
According to an official statement, PM Modi and Netanyahu expressed satisfaction with the steady advancement of bilateral cooperation and agreed to deepen collaboration across key areas for mutual benefit.
PM Modi reiterated India’s support for efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and just peace in the West Asia, including the early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and agreed to remain in close contact.
The call came at a time when Netanyahu indicated that the second phase of the US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan could begin “very shortly”. Hamas, however, claimed Israeli “violations” and urged mediators to press Israel to comply with the agreement.
Netanyahu’s office also said it is working with Indian authorities to arrange a new date for his postponed visit to India. The visit, initially planned for December, was deferred without a formal explanation, though his office stressed that bilateral ties remain strong and that he has “full confidence” in India’s security under PM Modi’s leadership.
With inputs from agencies
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