Indian, Israeli premiers discuss Mideast situation, bilateral ties over phone

In a Thursday phone call, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu discussed bilateral ties and the situation in the Middle East, Anadolu reports.

“The two leaders welcomed the sustained momentum in India-Israel relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries,” said a statement by Modi’s office.

New Delhi said the leaders also “exchanged views on recent developments” in the Middle East and “underscored the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region. “

Modi reiterated India’s “call for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward,” the statement said.

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“The two leaders agreed to remain in touch,” it said.

The calls between the two leaders come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis, with the Saudi-led coalition carrying out airstrikes against Houthi positions and the group launching missile and drone attacks targeting the kingdom.

The regional escalation has coincided with continued tensions between the US and Iran following their military confrontation, with diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching an agreement remaining deadlocked.

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