Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephone conversation on Thursday regarding the situation in West Asia.
They also emphasized the urgent need to restore peace and stability in that region.
In this regard, a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said, “Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu contacted Prime Minister Narendra Modi by phone. The two leaders exchanged views on the recent developments in West Asia. They also emphasized the urgent need to restore peace and stability in that region.
It was stated that Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s call that dialogue and diplomatic means are the way forward.
In an X post by Prime Minister Modi regarding his phone conversation with the Israeli Prime Minister, he said, “We reviewed the ongoing progress in bilateral relations and reiterated our commitment to further strengthen our partnership.”
During Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to Israel on February 25 and 26, it was decided to elevate the bilateral strategic partnership to a “special strategic partnership for peace, innovation, and prosperity.”
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi, who noted that “peace and stability in the Middle East are linked to India’s security,” had said that India fully supports the Gaza peace initiative. It is noteworthy that the two also spoke over the phone during the Israel-U.S. and Iran conflicts.
Israel Independence Day: Invitation to Prime Minister Modi
In an X post released by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, he said, “I spoke on the phone with my friend Prime Minister Modi. During Israel’s Independence Day celebrations (in May next year), I invited Prime Minister Modi to join the brave Indian pilot Smith Machar in lighting the ceremonial torch. He thanked me for this invitation. Prime Minister Modi said that our two countries are united in the fight against terrorism, both on the ground and in the air.” Netanyahu posted this in Hebrew and Hindi.
On Sept. 30, on a Flydubai flight that departed from Dubai for Tel Aviv, Israel, co-pilot Hamam al-Hamami attempted to bring down the plane by attacking Indian pilot Machar with an axe. Despite being severely injured, Machar fought bravely and foiled the attempt. Following this, praise for Indian pilot Machar poured in from around the world.
In honor of Machar, Netanyahu had invited him to come and light the ceremonial torch on Israel’s Independence Day. In addition, Israel’s highest award for bravery was also announced for Machar.