India-Israel Strategic Partnership To Gaza Peace Plan: What PM Modi-Netanyahu Discussed In First Call Of 2026

Less than a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations, the two leaders engaged in a telephonic conversation again on Wednesday (January 7, 2026).

In their first direct talks in 2026, PM Modi and Netanyahu reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of terrorism and reaffirmed their commitment to fight this menace. With this, the Israeli PM also signalled that he might visit India soon, as Netanyahu said he hoped to meet PM Modi “in the near future”.

Underscoring New Delhi’s intent to further strengthen the India–Israel Strategic Partnership as both sides navigate a volatile regional and global security environment, PM Modi conveyed New Year greetings to his Israeli counterpart Netanyahu and the people of Israel. “We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead,” he posted on X.

Modi-Netanyahu call: What did the two talk about?

The conversation, the first direct engagement between the two leaders in 2026, reflected the enduring depth of bilateral ties rooted in shared democratic values, security cooperation and mutual trust. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said he spoke with his “friend” Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that the discussions focused on advancing bilateral cooperation across key sectors in the year ahead.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Netanyahu initiated the call and briefed Modi on the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan, highlighting Israel’s ongoing efforts to stabilise the region.

How does this reflect the India–Israel Strategic Partnership?

PM Modi and Netanyahu identified shared priorities to deepen the strategic partnership, which spans defence, counterterrorism, technology, innovation, agriculture and intelligence cooperation. The PMO said the partnership continues to be guided by deep mutual trust and a forward-looking vision, even amid complex regional dynamics.

India and Israel have steadily expanded cooperation over the years, particularly in defence and security, making the partnership a key pillar of India’s West Asia engagement.

What was said on terrorism and regional security?

Both leaders reaffirmed a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, pledging to intensify cooperation against the threat in all its forms and manifestations. “We also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed our shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination,” PM Modi said.

The PMO stated that Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for efforts toward a just and durable peace in the region. While maintaining close ties with Israel, India has continued to call for dialogue, restraint and humanitarian considerations in regional conflicts.

Worth noting here is that the latest Modi–Netanyahu call comes amid continuing uncertainty in Gaza and West Asia, shifting global alignments, and a growing emphasis on counterterrorism cooperation. Both leaders agreed to remain in touch on regional and global issues, signalling sustained high-level engagement in the months ahead.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had on December 17, 2-25 called on Netanyahu in Jerusalem and conveyed PM Modi’s warm wishes.