Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a crucial conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, initiated from the Israeli side. The focus of the talks encompassed the ongoing Gaza War and the disruption unfolding in the Red Sea.
According to a readout from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Israeli PM Netanyahu briefed PM Modi on the recent developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict. In a subsequent tweet, Modi expressed satisfaction with the “productive exchange of views” and revealed shared concerns over the Red Sea situation, alluding to the trade disruption caused by continuous attacks from the Yemen-based Houthi militia.
The Houthi militia has been targeting ships in the Red Sea since the commencement of the Israeli War on Gaza. These attacks prompted shipping companies and energy giant BP to halt transit through the Red Sea, resulting in a more than 2% surge in crude oil prices.
Modi emphasized India’s stance favoring a peaceful resolution through dialogue, advocating for the flow of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
In the Israeli readout of the call, Netanyahu expressed gratitude for India’s support in Israel’s efforts to eradicate the Hamas terrorist organization. The leaders also delved into the acceleration of foreign worker arrivals from India to Israel and addressed the global imperative of safeguarding the economy and trade against potential attacks.
“They also discussed the global interest in preventing attacks on the global economy and trade, as well as the Indian and Israeli economies. Indian Prime Minister Modi noted that freedom of navigation is an essential global necessity that must be ensured,” stated the Israeli PMO readout.
