NEW DELHI( Diya TV)—Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged restraint amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, while extending Rosh Hashanah greetings to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Modi’s message to Netanyahu comes at a time of heightened conflict in the region.
In his message, Modi termed Netanyahu a “dear friend” and wished the Israeli people and their leader, Netanyahu, a prosperous and peaceful Jewish new year. “On the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, I extend my heartfelt wishes to my friend Benjamin Netanyahu and the people of Israel,” Modi wrote on his social media platforms. “May this new year bring peace, prosperity, and good health to all.”.
Indian leadership would call for restraint, as his government has maintained a neutral balance between international polemic conflict, matched by promoting calm dialogue in its foreign policy. The Modi administration has been trying to balance relations between Israel and Palestine, which seeks a two-state solution, and calls for peace talks between the two competing nations. Modi’s message to Netanyahu was celebratory in tone but also called for stability and restraint during uncertain times.
The tensions between the two governments have reached their peak, which came in the aftermath of clashes in Gaza and the West Bank that reignited violence in the region. From the standpoint of India, which enjoys robust diplomatic and defense ties with Israel, New Delhi wants to ensure regional conflicts are not allowed to spill over to global security. Modi’s outreach to Netanyahu is seen more as a gesture aimed at stepping up India-Israel ties, while pointing to the call for de-escalation.
Israel and India have maintained a strong relationship in recent years, especially on defense, agricultural, and technological platforms. Netanyahu has described India as Israel’s “natural partner”. Bilateral cooperation between the two nations has increased in all sectors, with Modi visiting Israel a number of times during his tenure. This marks a massive change in India’s foreign policy, which was almost entirely supported Palestinian causes earlier.
Meanwhile, India continues to maintain relations with Palestine and reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution, calling for the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue.
Netanyahu thanked Modi for wishing him and his people. “Thank you, my friend, Narendra Modi, for the kind greetings on Rosh Hashanah. We highly value our friendship and the strong relations between our countries.”
Even as both leaders greeted each other warmly, the international community and the rest of the world continues to be fixated on the Middle East, looking for a peaceful resolution to the militancy that has marred that part of the world. India, already a significant geopolitical player, keeps open its doors to playing a role in promoting dialogue and stability in this region.
