Netanyahu calls Modi who tells him: India with Israel in this difficult hour

While this was their first phone conversation since Saturday, when Hamas targeted Israeli civilians in perhaps the bloodiest attack since the formation of the State of Israel in 1948, Modi’s underlying message was in sync with what he had said soon after the attack.

“Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity  with Israel at this difficult hour,” Modi had said.

The Prime Minister’s remarks have been perceived as backing Israel completely in the wake of the terror attacks and, in a way, supporting its actions in exercise of the right to self-defence. There has been no mention of the Palestinian cause in the readout or the tweets so far.

The India-Israel relationship has blossomed in the last decade or so in the framework of a robust strategic partnership, and the personal chemistry between Modi and Netanyahu has been visible in their bilateral engagements. Israel has been one of India’s most reliable defence and security partners.

The PMO said Modi received a phone call Tuesday from Netanyahu.

The Indian Prime Minister had earlier said that he was “deeply shocked the news of terrorist attacks in Israel”. (X/@narendramodi)

“Prime Minister expressed deep condolences and sympathy for those killed and wounded as a result of the terrorist attacks in Israel and conveyed that people of India stand in solidarity with Israel in this difficult hour,” it said.

“He reiterated that India strongly and unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” it said.

“PM highlighted the issue of safety and security of Indian citizens in Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu assured of full cooperation and support. The two leaders agreed to remain in close touch,” the PMO said.

The unqualified support from the Prime Minister’s tweets and the PMO statement underline that India views Israel as a key strategic partner. Since 2022, the two countries have been jointly celebrating 30 years of the upgradation of bilateral ties to full diplomatic relations.