In a post on X, Modi said, “Had a telephone call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. Conveyed India's concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities.”
Defence collaboration, including potential technology transfer of Iron Dome and interest in Iron Beam, is expected to shape high-level India-Israel talks during Modi’s Tel Aviv visit.
The Prime Minister’s shared ride with Benjamin Netanyahu comes days after a similar gesture with Emmanuel Macron, reinforcing a pattern of informal optics shaping India’s global engagements.
The Prime Minister will meet Israeli leaders, address the Knesset and engage with the diaspora as India and Israel look to expand cooperation across sectors during the two-day visit.
India and Israel are expected to review progress across high-tech manufacturing, cybersecurity and agriculture, while negotiators work toward a structured free trade framework signed in November 2025.
During the visit, Modi and Netanyahu will review the significant progress made in India - Israel Strategic Partnership, and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, the MEA said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the conversation focused on strengthening cooperation on national security.
"Thank you PM Netanyahu for your warm wishes. May India-Israel friendship continue to flourish…may both countries further strengthen and deepen this relationship bringing peace, development as well as security to our people," PM Modi said in a message shared on handle X.
The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral defence ties, and discussed a future roadmap to further strengthen strategic cooperation, it said.
India's Ambassador to Israel, Pavan Kapoor, speaking at the event stressed that the worst terrorist attack on the Indian soil 'should motivate the world to unite against terrorism and defeat the ideology of hatred'.
