By New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with both leaders discussing ways to further strengthen the India–Israel strategic partnership in 2026.
In a post on X, PM Modi said he conveyed New Year greetings to Netanyahu and the people of Israel, referring to the Israeli leader as his “friend”. He noted that the conversation focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across key areas in the year ahead.
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
“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. “We discussed ways to further strengthen the India–Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead.”
The Prime Minister said the two leaders also exchanged views on the regional situation and 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,” he added.
This was the first direct conversation between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu since the beginning of 2026.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Netanyahu called PM Modi and briefed him on the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. The two leaders “warmly exchanged New Year greetings and wished the people of both countries peace and prosperity,” the statement said.
The PMO noted that PM Modi reaffirmed India’s consistent support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region. Both leaders identified shared priorities to deepen the India–Israel Strategic Partnership in the coming year, guided by democratic values, 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.
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to remain in close contact.
