Modi, Netanyahu discuss West Asia crisis, reaffirm India-Israel strategic partnership
New Delhi, Oct 22 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, stressing the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region, even as Modi reiterated India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
The two leaders spoke over the telephone, reviewing the progress of bilateral ties and reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office. "The two leaders welcomed the sustained momentum in India-Israel relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries," the statement said. The conversation also focused on recent developments in West Asia, where continuing tensions and conflicts have heightened concerns over regional security and stability.
The two prime ministers exchanged views on the situation and emphasised the pressing need to restore peace in the region. Modi reiterated India's consistent position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective means of resolving conflicts and achieving lasting peace. New Delhi has repeatedly called for restraint, de-escalation and diplomatic engagement amid the region's continuing instability, while maintaining its strategic partnerships and relations with countries across West Asia.
The discussion reflected the importance both countries attach to developments in a region of significant strategic and economic importance. The continuing conflicts have wider implications for international security, energy supplies and trade, making efforts to reduce tensions and restore stability a pressing concern for the international community.
India and Israel have expanded cooperation across a range of sectors, including defence, security, agriculture, water management, science and technology, innovation and trade. Their relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership during Modi's visit to Israel in July 2017, marking a significant step in the deepening of bilateral engagement.
Since then, the two countries have continued to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, with defence and security remaining important pillars of their relationship alongside growing collaboration in technology, agriculture and innovation. The latest telephone conversation underscored the two leaders' intention to sustain the momentum in bilateral ties while exchanging assessments of the evolving situation in West Asia. The PMO said the two leaders agreed to remain in touch.
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