Netanyahu emphasizes strong Israel-India relations, seeks early Modi meeting

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday told his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi that Israel deeply values its partnership with New Delhi and their shared determination to defeat terrorism, as the two leaders held their first telephone conversation of 2026 amid intensifying bilateral engagement.

In the call, Netanyahu said he looked forward to meeting Modi in the near future to continue discussions in person. Posting on X from his personal account, the Israeli prime minister wrote, “Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister Modi, for the warm conversation and friendship. I extend my best wishes to the people of India. Israel values the deep partnership with India and our shared determination to defeat terrorism.”

In a series of posts from his official account, Netanyahu described the exchange as a “fruitful conversation” focused on strengthening national security cooperation and unleashing the “boundless potential” of India‑Israel relations for the benefit of both peoples. He added, “We discussed the strength of India-Israel relations and how we can unleash the boundless potential of this partnership for the benefit of our peoples. I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi in the near future to continue these discussions in person.” The two leaders had also spoken last month and agreed to meet very soon.

Prime Minister Modi said on X that he was “glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” conveyed New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel, and discussed ways to further strengthen the India‑Israel strategic partnership in the year ahead. Modi said the leaders also exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said the two leaders warmly exchanged greetings and wished the people of both countries peace and prosperity. It said Netanyahu briefed Modi in detail on the implementation status of the Gaza Peace Plan , a framework aimed at ending the prolonged Israel‑Hamas conflict through phased de‑escalation, sustained ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, and arrangements to prevent renewed hostilities and terrorism from Gaza. Modi reaffirmed India’s consistent support for efforts aimed at achieving a just and durable peace in the region, while underscoring the importance of protecting civilian lives and ensuring sustained delivery of humanitarian aid.The statement said the leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to remain in close touch.

India and Israel share a long and robust relationship that has steadily expanded since the establishment of full diplomatic ties in 1992 . What began with cooperation in agriculture, water management, and science has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing defence, counter‑terrorism collaboration, intelligence sharing, innovation, high technology, and economic engagement. Defence and security cooperation, in particular, has emerged as a central pillar of the relationship, underpinned by strong political trust and sustained engagement at the highest levels.

The telephonic conversation comes amid a flurry of high‑level engagements aimed at realising the full potential of this time‑tested partnership. In November , India and Israel inked a landmark agreement to enhance defence, industrial, and technological cooperation, enabling the sharing of advanced technologies and promoting co‑development and co‑production. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Israel in December, following a November visit by Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal . Several Israeli ministers also travelled to India during 2025, including Tourism Minister Haim Katz, Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Avi Dichter, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, as the two sides built momentum towards concluding a Free Trade Agreement . During Smotrich’s visit to India, the two countries signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty, followed by the signing of a Terms of Reference agreement during Goyal’s visit to Israel, laying the groundwork for the eventual conclusion of the free trade pact and reinforcing the long‑term economic dimension of the India‑Israel partnership.