Modi–Netanyahu New Year Exchange Reinforces India–Israel Strategic Partnership
- MGMMTeam
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exchanged New Year greetings during a telephone conversation in early January 2026, using the occasion to reaffirm the close and trusted relationship between India and Israel. The interaction reflected not just a customary diplomatic exchange, but a reaffirmation of shared priorities, particularly at a time of heightened global and regional security challenges.
In a public message following the call, Prime Minister Modi described the conversation as warm and constructive, extending his wishes to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the people of Israel. The leaders discussed ongoing global developments and expressed confidence in further strengthening bilateral ties in the year ahead.
Shared Resolve Against Terrorism
A central theme of the conversation was the joint commitment of India and Israel to combat terrorism in all its forms. Both leaders reiterated a zero-tolerance approach toward extremist violence and underlined the importance of sustained international cooperation to counter security threats.
This shared stance reflects a long-standing pillar of India–Israel relations. Both countries have faced persistent security challenges and have consistently supported each other on counter-terrorism efforts at bilateral as well as multilateral forums. The New Year exchange reinforced their determination to respond to terrorism with greater resolve and coordination.
Expanding Strategic and Security Cooperation
Beyond counter-terrorism, the discussion highlighted the broader scope of the India–Israel strategic partnership. Over the past decade, bilateral relations have deepened significantly across defence, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, technology, agriculture, water management, and innovation.
Israel remains a key defence and technology partner for India, while India is an important strategic ally for Israel in Asia. Regular high-level engagements, defence co-development projects, and growing economic cooperation have strengthened institutional ties between the two nations. During the call, both leaders expressed interest in advancing cooperation in priority areas identified for 2026.
Regional Developments and Diplomatic Engagement
Prime Minister Netanyahu also briefed Prime Minister Modi on recent developments in West Asia, including efforts related to the Gaza situation and broader regional stability. India reiterated its consistent position of supporting peace, dialogue, and stability in the region, while emphasizing the need to address security concerns and protect civilian lives.
The exchange highlighted India’s balanced diplomatic approach, which combines strong bilateral partnerships with a broader commitment to regional peace and global stability.
A Relationship Built on Trust and Continuity
India and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992, and their partnership has evolved steadily since then. In recent years, ties have gained momentum through frequent leader-level interactions and shared strategic interests. Prime Minister Netanyahu has indicated interest in meeting Prime Minister Modi in the near future, signaling continued high-level engagement between the two governments.
The New Year conversation underscored the personal rapport between the two leaders and the continuity in India–Israel relations regardless of global uncertainties.
The MGMM Outlook
The New Year interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again highlighted the depth and consistency of the India–Israel strategic partnership. More than a ceremonial exchange, the conversation reflected mutual trust and alignment on key global and regional challenges. The leaders’ focus on counter-terrorism underscored a shared understanding shaped by long-standing security threats faced by both nations. Their reaffirmation of zero tolerance toward terrorism reinforced a core pillar of bilateral relations and signaled continuity in diplomatic and security coordination as 2026 begins.
At the same time, the exchange pointed to the expanding scope of cooperation beyond security, encompassing defence collaboration, technology, innovation, agriculture, and intelligence sharing. Israel’s role as a critical defence and technology partner for India, and India’s importance as a strategic ally for Israel in Asia, were clearly reflected in the discussion. Updates on West Asian developments further demonstrated India’s balanced diplomatic posture—maintaining strong partnerships while advocating dialogue, stability, and civilian protection. Overall, the conversation conveyed momentum, strategic clarity, and confidence in strengthening India–Israel ties amid an increasingly complex global environment.
(Sources: Hindustan Times, Indian Express, NDTV)