PM Modi receives call from Israeli counterpart Netanyahu, discusses West Asia crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in a phone conversation on Thursday, addressing the current state of affairs in West Asia. During their discussion, the leaders reflected on the advancements achieved under the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership and emphasized their dedication to expanding bilateral cooperation across various sectors, serving the collective interests of both nations, as reported by the Prime Minister's Office.

Upon concluding their call, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu conveyed to his Indian counterpart, "We reviewed progress on various aspects of the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership, which continues to grow from strength to strength, and also exchanged views on the current situation in West Asia," according to PTI. In a follow-up tweet, Prime Minister Modi stated, "Received a phone call from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

We reviewed progress on various aspects of the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership which continues to grow from strength-to-strength. We also exchanged views on the current situation in West Asia." The ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has persisted for over five months without a permanent resolution, poses a significant challenge to the region.

Iran recently announced it is nearing completion of an agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz waterway with Oman, while two Israeli soldiers were reported killed in Lebanon. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping lane and essential conduit for energy supplies, has become a focal point of the ongoing strife. Prior to the conflict, initiated by US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas shipments passed through this strategic waterway at the entrance to the Persian Gulf.

The conflict, which commenced on February 28 with US and Israeli military strikes on Iran aimed at toppling the government and dismantling its nuclear program, has since shifted focus to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's assertion of control over the waterway and attacks on commercial shipping have resulted in a near standstill in maritime traffic.