Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday to discuss the ongoing situation in West Asia. During the discussion, Modi stressed the importance of reducing tensions and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
PM Modi reiterated India’s stance on the urgent need to release all hostages and highlighted the significance of providing continuous humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. He also advocated for a swift and peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. Additionally, the leaders explored various aspects of bilateral cooperation, aiming to further enhance the India-Israel Strategic Partnership.
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India-Israel Relations
Since 1950, India and Israel have maintained a relationship marked by strong defense cooperation, investment, and trade policies. The formal diplomatic ties, however, began in 1992, marking the start of a significant evolution in their bilateral relationship. Over the years, the partnership between the two nations has grown from simple bilateral ties to a more profound strategic alliance. India, currently the largest buyer of Israel’s military equipment, has seen its relationship with Israel transform dramatically. The two countries have weathered numerous challenges together, leading to a deep understanding across various sectors.
Beyond defense, their collaboration extends into cultural, economic, and technological spheres. Israel has been instrumental in supporting India’s defense and national security, while India has contributed to Israel’s economic growth. This mutual cooperation has propelled India to become Israel’s 10th largest trading partner. Furthermore, their cooperation in science and technology, particularly in space technology, underscores the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the India-Israel relationship.
India’s stand on the Israel-Palestine conflict
The trilateral India-Palestine-Israel relationship is important and will remain so. But here it is also fair to note that the bilateral relationships between India and Israel and India and Palestine will acquire precedence over the multilateral one; the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will continue to be a point of friction in the dynamics of the India-Israel relationship, and vice-versa. India has so far sought to be neutral in not taking sides on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a significant departure from its usual approach of actively acting on the Palestinian side.
New Delhi has repeatedly asserted that it seeks to be ‘impartial and objective’ in the conflict, which means that it will continue to provide humanitarian assistance and diplomatic support to both sides. Since the US move of its embassy to Jerusalem, the already fraught Palestine situation has worsened. In response, New Delhi has tried to act even more cautiously towards the conflict, and its statements have liberally underlined its desire to remain ‘equidistant’ from both parties.
The Government of India and Ministry of External Affairs released a statement in early 2024 regarding India’s stand amid the ongoing situation in West Asia.
Recent discussion between PM Modi and Netanyahu
On Friday, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi talked by phone with the Prime Minister of Israel Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu. During the conversation PM Netanyahu wished on the 78th Independence Day celebration of India. In their conversation, both Prime Ministers discussed the prevailing situation in West Asia, and reviewed the latest developments in the region. PM Modi stressed upon the urgent need to de-escalate the situation. He also echoed the Indian stand on immediate release of all hostages and persistent provision and delivery of humanitarian aid to the hostages along with others and underlined the need for an early and peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
The two leaders also discussed several areas of bilateral cooperation and the ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership. Both the leaders agreed to keep in touch.
After the conflict between the state of Israel and the Hamas, tensions rise in West Asia while urging to cease the war.
