‘Glad to speak with my friend’: PM Modi holds talks with Israeli PM Netanyahu; reaffirms resolve to deepen ties, fight terrorism

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel strategic partnership in the coming year.In a post on X, PM Modi said he conveyed New Year greetings to Netanyahu and the people of Israel. He described the Israeli leader as his “friend” and said the conversation focused on taking bilateral cooperation forward across key areas. “Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel,” PM Modi wrote. He added that both leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead. The Prime Minister also said that the two leaders exchanged views on the regional situation. PM Modi said both sides further reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination. “We also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed our shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination,” the Prime Minister said in his post. This is the first direct conversation between the two leaders since the start of 2026. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Modi received a phone call from his Israeli counterpart, during which Netanyahu shared an update on the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. The statement said the two leaders “warmly exchanged New Year greetings and wished the people of both countries peace and prosperity.” The PMO said Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s consistent support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region. The statement added that the two leaders 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 PMO said. PM Modi and Netanyahu also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to remain in touch.