NEW DELHI | August 8, 2026
India-Israel Relations to Keep Growing, Netanyahu Says After Call With PM Modi
India Israel Relations will continue to strengthen, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which the two leaders reviewed their expanding strategic partnership and exchanged views on developments in West Asia.
Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to closer bilateral ties after sharing Modi’s social media post about their conversation. Referring to the Indian prime minister as his friend, Netanyahu said the two countries would continue working together to deepen relations.
The telephone conversation took place on Thursday, August 6, with the two leaders reviewing progress in the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership and discussing ways to expand bilateral cooperation. They also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and agreed to remain in contact.
Netanyahu Responds to Modi After Phone Call
Following the conversation, Netanyahu responded publicly to Modi’s remarks on social media platform X.
“Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. Together, we will continue to strengthen relations between Israel and India,” Netanyahu wrote, according to the material provided.
The exchange underscored the close political engagement between the two leaders at a time when developments across West Asia remain a major issue for both countries.
What Did Modi and Netanyahu Discuss?
The conversation centered on two broad areas: bilateral cooperation and the evolving situation in West Asia.
According to reports on the call, Modi and Netanyahu reviewed the sustained progress in their countries’ special strategic partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further cooperation across multiple sectors.
The leaders also discussed regional developments, although detailed accounts of their conversation were not publicly disclosed.
India and Israel Elevated Ties Earlier This Year
The latest phone call builds on a significant expansion of India-Israel relations earlier in 2026.
During Modi’s state visit to Israel in February, the two governments elevated their relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity.” The upgrade reflected what both sides described as growing strategic convergence and deep mutual trust.
During those talks, India and Israel agreed to expand cooperation in areas including:
- Trade and investment
- Defense and security
- Space
- Energy
- Critical and emerging technologies
- Cybersecurity
- Education
- Scientific research
- Innovation
The two countries also highlighted opportunities in agriculture, water management and people-to-people ties.
Defense and Technology Remain Key Pillars
Defense remains one of the most important components of the bilateral relationship.
Israel’s Defense Ministry described India in June as a key strategic partner while announcing high-level discussions aimed at expanding defense and industrial cooperation, including joint projects and closer ties between the two countries’ defense sectors.
Technology and innovation have also emerged as major areas of cooperation, with both governments seeking closer engagement in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, critical technologies and advanced research.
West Asia Developments Remain in Focus
The discussion also comes against the backdrop of continuing instability across West Asia.
India has repeatedly emphasized the importance of regional peace and stability. During Modi’s February visit to Israel, the two sides discussed regional and global issues, while New Delhi has continued to advocate dialogue and diplomatic solutions to conflicts in the region.
Earlier this year, Modi and Netanyahu also spoke by phone about regional security, civilian safety and the need to reduce hostilities.
Modi-Netanyahu Personal Rapport Remains Visible
The personal relationship between Modi and Netanyahu has frequently been reflected in their public exchanges.
During Modi’s February visit, Netanyahu described the relationship between the two leaders as extending beyond formal diplomacy, while both governments highlighted trust and friendship as central elements of the bilateral partnership.
Thursday’s conversation and Netanyahu’s subsequent message indicate that both governments intend to maintain that momentum as they pursue deeper economic, technological and strategic cooperation.
For New Delhi and Jerusalem, the challenge will be to expand the India Israel Relations framework while navigating an increasingly complex security environment across West Asia.
