Modi and Netanyahu Discuss Regional Tensions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared on Friday that he had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the conversation, Modi expressed India’s concern over escalating hostilities in the region, emphasizing a desire for peace rather than condemning actions against Iran.
“He explained the evolving situation to me, and I shared my perspectives from India. It’s clear we need to prioritize the recovery of peace and stability,” Modi noted in a social media post regarding his dialogue with Netanyahu.
Later in the day, Indian Foreign Minister J. Jaishankar also communicated with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. While details of their conversation were not disclosed, the discussion highlights India’s closer ties with Israel compared to its relationship with Iran.
On Friday, Netanyahu announced Operation Rising Glion, which involved military strikes on critical Iranian nuclear sites and military leadership locations. The Iranian government reported the deaths of two prominent nuclear scientists amidst these strikes. High-ranking officials, including Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander Hossein Salami, were also affected.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemned Iran’s actions with a resolution, citing ongoing violations of international law. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi mentioned that there were indications Iran possesses multiple undisclosed uranium enrichment sites, which are being sanitized to evade inspections.
In explaining the military operation, Netanyahu asserted that Israeli intelligence determined Iran was nearing the capability to produce enough enriched material for a nuclear bomb. He made a poignant comparison, referencing the Holocaust and stating that the Jewish community would not tolerate another threat of such magnitude.
India has historically maintained friendly ties with Israel, noted as a member of the anti-American BRICS coalition alongside Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. Interestingly, Iran’s recent entry into BRICS raises questions about India’s diplomatic balancing act.
In the wake of the October 7 attacks by Hamas, India has shown increasing support for Israel. The Ministry of External Affairs indicated that India seeks to maintain robust relations with both nations, expressing concern over nuclear site attacks while advocating for diplomatic solutions.
Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quickly condemned Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people during the attacks. Modi expressed solidarity with Israel, stating his shock at the incidents and extending thoughts to victims and their families.
BJP spokesperson RP Singh described Hamas as being “worse than ISIS,” insisting that they were the instigators of violence.
Over the years, India has voiced support for the Palestinian cause, yet under Modi’s leadership, its relationship with Israel has deepened significantly. Israel has been an essential ally for India, particularly in military matters against neighboring Pakistan, a relationship that dates back decades.
Israeli officials have reiterated their support for India, especially following incidents involving terrorism that affect both countries. Netanyahu described terrorist attacks as horrific and expressed solidarity with India in combating such threats.
India also condemned the assassination of an Israeli diplomat in Washington, D.C., with Jaishankar asserting that justice must be sought for the perpetrator. Netanyahu acknowledged India’s stance with gratitude.
