Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Credit: Reuters Photo
New Delhi: With the war cloud looming over West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that it was important to prevent regional escalation.
Modi spoke to Netanyahu over the phone even as Iran vowed revenge after Israeli airstrikes killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut on Saturday, just days after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh. He, however, not only stressed avoiding escalation but also called for the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas since October 7 last year.
“Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability”, Modi posted on X.
Modi spoke to Netanyahu just days after he had a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the sideline of a United Nations conclave in New York.
He conveyed to Abbas his "deep concern" at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region and reaffirmed India’s "unwavering support" to the people of Palestine, including continued humanitarian assistance.
He reiterated India's time-tested principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue, and called for a ceasefire, release of hostages, and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.
He stressed that only a two-state solution would deliver enduring peace and stability in the region. Recalling that India was one of the first countries to recognise Palestine, he conveyed India’s continued support to Palestine's membership of the UN.