On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as express concerns regarding the safety of maritime traffic in crucial West Asian corridors.
Modi shared on X, formerly Twitter, \”Had a productive exchange of views with PM @netanyahu on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, including shared concerns on the safety of maritime traffic. Highlighted India’s consistent stand in favor of early restoration of peace & stability in the region with continued humanitarian assistance for the affected.\”
The leaders had previously communicated on October 10, shortly after Hamas launched an attack resulting in an estimated 1,200 casualties in Israel.
In their discussion, Modi and Netanyahu addressed the freedom of navigation for ships traversing the Bab-el-Mandeb, a vital shipping route connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. This route plays a crucial role in India\’s trade with the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The Bab-el-Mandeb has faced threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who recently targeted a tanker carrying India-manufactured jet fuel in a missile strike. The Houthi rebels assert that this action is in retaliation for Israel\’s attacks on Gaza.
The statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office mentioned, “Indian Prime Minister Modi noted that freedom of navigation is an essential global necessity that must be ensured. The leaders also discussed advancing the arrival of foreign workers from India to the State of Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Indian Prime Minister Modi for India\’s support of Israel\’s just war to eliminate the Hamas terrorist organization.\”
It is noteworthy that Israel had previously requested India to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization and sought New Delhi\’s assistance in conveying messages to countries like Lebanon through a back channel.