PM Modi speaks with ‘friend’ Benjamin Netanyahu on Israeli New Year: Here’s what they discussed

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

The two leaders also exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and reaffirmed their shared resolve to combat terrorism with greater determination, the Prime Minister added. And both the leaders agreed to remain in touch, according to the press release.

This is the first direct conversation between Modi and Netanyahu since the beginning of 2026. Their previous interaction took place in December last year when the Israeli Prime Minister briefed Modi on the West Asia situation. During that call, Modi had reiterated India’s support for efforts aimed at achieving peace in the region, including the early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan.

Before that, the two leaders spoke in October 2025 when Modi congratulated Netanyahu on progress made under the Gaza plan. That call came shortly after Netanyahu, in a speech at the Knesset, defended his handling of national affairs and stated that Israel continued to enjoy unprecedented support from several global leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, despite a surge in anti-Semitism worldwide.