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NEW DELHI/JERUSALEM – A phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, has offered a rare glimpse into the delicate diplomatic high-wire act that defines the modern India-Israel partnership. While both leaders expressed “satisfaction” with the strategic momentum in their bilateral ties, the conversation notably included PM Modi’s explicit reiteration of India’s support for the “early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan” and a commitment to a “just and durable peace” in West Asia.
The conversation, initiated by PM Netanyahu, underscored the deepening strategic and defence cooperation between New Delhi and Jerusalem, with the leaders condemning terrorism and reaffirming a shared zero-tolerance approach. However, it was PM Modi’s nuanced yet firm statement on the Gaza conflict that positions India not just as a steadfast partner, but also as a potential diplomatic facilitator.
The Two Pillars of Partnership
For years, the India-Israel relationship has been built on the two strong pillars of defence technology and counter-terrorism. The official readout from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) highlighted this, noting the “continued momentum” in the strategic partnership. Sources suggest the call may also have touched upon rescheduling PM Netanyahu’s postponed visit to India, a clear sign that business remains a priority despite the geopolitical turbulence.
“India’s policy towards this complex region is no longer a simple choice between two sides. It is about a clear, principled, and consistent position for peace, dialogue, and a sovereign future for all peoples,” a former diplomat privy to the discussion noted.
Reaffirming the ‘Balanced’ Position
The call comes at a pivotal moment, with the region under intense scrutiny following the implementation of a ceasefire plan in Gaza. By stressing support for the Gaza Peace Plan, PM Modi is signalling adherence to a two-state solution that secures Israel’s borders while addressing Palestinian aspirations—a traditional cornerstone of India’s foreign policy that has remained consistent even as ties with Israel have blossomed.
India’s diplomatic balancing act is unique: it is one of Israel’s most important strategic partners, yet it continues to provide humanitarian aid to Palestine and firmly advocates for dialogue-based resolution at multilateral forums like the UN.
More Than Just a Condemnation
This dual approach elevates India’s global profile from merely a security ally to a credible, non-aligned voice for peace. The emphasis on a “just and durable peace” is a coded reinforcement of New Delhi’s belief that military objectives alone cannot resolve the conflict, an indirect suggestion to the need for a comprehensive political framework.
In navigating this high-stakes conversation, PM Modi demonstrated that India’s strategic interests with Israel do not supersede its long-standing commitment to global stability and humanitarian principles. The message is clear: the ‘strategic relationship’ is robust, but the ‘peace principle’ is non-negotiable.
India’s support for the “early implementation” of this plan aligns with its overarching, long-standing diplomatic position for a Two-State Solution.
Here are the key elements of the specific phased plan:
- Phase-Based Implementation
The plan is typically broken down into three main phases, moving from immediate relief and hostage release to long-term reconstruction and political settlement:
Phase 1: Immediate Ceasefire & Hostage ReleaseShort-term (e.g., 6-week timeframe)Immediate, full ceasefire. Withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza. Release of certain categories of hostages (e.g., women, children, elderly, wounded) in exchange for a set number of Palestinian prisoners. Scaling up of humanitarian aid (food, medicine, fuel).
Phase 2: End of Hostilities & Total WithdrawalNegotiableA permanent end to hostilities. Complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. Release of all remaining living hostages (soldiers and civilian men) in exchange for a further release of Palestinian prisoners.
Phase 3: Reconstruction & Long-Term SolutionYears (for comprehensive stability)Major reconstruction of Gaza. The return of remains of all deceased hostages. The establishment of an international stabilization force, disarmament of militant factions (like Hamas), and the creation of a transitional governance body of Palestinian technocrats. This phase is intended to create a “pathway to Palestinian independence.”
- The Core Indian Diplomatic Position
When PM Modi calls for its “early implementation” and a “just and durable peace,” he is essentially reinforcing India’s commitment to the following principles, which are consistent across all recent government statements:
Two-State Solution: India’s foundational policy supports the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognised borders, living side-by-side in peace with Israel.
Condemnation of Terrorism: India maintains a firm stance, strongly condemning the October 7th terror attacks and demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Humanitarian Priority: The necessity for safe, timely, and sustained delivery of large-scale humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.
Dialogue and Diplomacy: The belief that direct, meaningful negotiations between the two sides on all final status issues is the only path to a lasting solution.
In short, by endorsing this specific peace plan, India is throwing its diplomatic weight behind a framework that ties immediate security relief (ceasefire/hostage release) to the long-term, internationally agreed-upon goal of a two-state political resolution.
