PM Modi, Israel's Netanyahu Discuss Ways To Deepen Defence And Security Ties Over Phone

PM Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu spoke for the second time over phone since the latter won the election in December last year.

File photo of PM Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. ( Image Source :PTI )

Prime Minister speaks Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on strengthening ties between the two countries. The 20-minute call focused on expanding cooperation in tech, trade and security, according to Netanyahu’s office.

"Just spoke with Indian PM @narendramodi about ways to strengthen the close relationship between #Israel & #India. Together we'll advance security & economic relations, with a focus on high-tech. Exciting times ahead," Netanyahu tweeted after the call.

This was the two leaders' second phone call since Netanyahu returned to power in December 2022. The two leaders expressed a mutual desire to deepen cooperation in the fields of high-tech, economy, and security. 

PM Modi, too, tweeted after the call: "Spoke with PM @netanyahu and discussed ways to strengthen the multifaceted India-Israel friendship, deepen our focus on innovation partnership, and our ongoing cooperation in defence and security."

In their previous call on December 11, Modi extended an invitation to Netanyahu for a visit to India at a mutually convenient date. The relationship between the two nations has been growing in recent years in areas such as defence, agriculture, and water. The continued cooperation between the two leaders highlights the significance of the relationship between India and Israel. 

The two were famously close during Netanyahu’s previous tenure. During Modi’s visit to Israel in 2017, the two leaders waded barefoot together into the surf with the waves gently lapping at the hems of their pants as they talked, producing iconic photos of the pair. The two then sipped drinks and took a drive in a water desalination dune buggy.

The strategic relationship continues to grow, with India taking advantage of opportunities the Abraham Accords provide New Delhi in the Middle East and in Europe.

Netanyahu was sworn-in for his sixth term as Israel's Prime Minister on December 29, leading the country's most right-wing government to date. He is now Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister.