The call highlights the personal rapport between the leaders and India's diplomatic engagement in the Middle East. (Image: File)
PM Narendra Modi called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to congratulate him on the new Gaza peace agreement. The discussion welcomed a possible de-escalation in the violence while reaffirming India's strong anti-terrorism posture.
The phone call from PM Modi was a direct gesture of support. He took to social media platform X to outline the conversation's key points. Modi stated he congratulated Netanyahu on the progress made under President Donald Trump's peace plan. He specifically welcomed the agreement on the release of hostages and increased humanitarian aid for Gaza. Importantly, he reiterated a fundamental tenet of Indian foreign policy: "terrorism in any shape or manifestation is unacceptable anywhere in the globe." India's stance on cross-border terrorism is reaffirmed in this statement.
The timing of the call highlights its importance. Netanyahu was present during a security cabinet meeting, the Times of Israel said, citing a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO). This high-level meeting was specifically discussing the intricate details of the ceasefire and the hostage-release deal. Netanyahu demonstrated the importance of the connection by pausing this crucial security briefing to answer the Indian leader's call.
The Israeli readout of the call provided further details on the warm tone of the conversation. It noted that Prime Modi congratulated Netanyahu on the agreement reached for the release of all hostages. The Indian leader is quoted as noting that Netanyahu "has always been a close friend and that their friendship will remain strong." In response, the Israeli Prime Minister thanked PM Modi for his support of Israel. Both leaders agreed to continue their close cooperation on bilateral and global issues.
Earlier on Thursday, PM Modi had publicly praised the efforts that led to this breakthrough. In his first reaction to the development, he tagged both Trump and Netanyahu in a social media post. Modi welcomed the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan, calling it a "reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu." He expressed hope that the hostage release and enhanced aid would "bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace." India is positioned as a voice in favor of the US-backed endeavor because of this early backing.
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The agreement itself was announced by President Trump on Wednesday. It marks the first phase of a US-backed 20-point plan designed to end the war in Gaza. The deal includes a ceasefire and a swap involving Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners.
This agreement was achieved after intense discussions in Cairo between representatives of the U.S., Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, reflecting a strong multinational push for peace.
