New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled President Donald Trump on Thursday evening to congratulate him on the success of the Gaza peace plan and to review progress in India-US trade negotiations.
“Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks,” Modi said in a social media post.
Just over an hour later, Modi called his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to appreciate the progress made under President Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
“Called my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu, to congratulate him on the progress made under President Trump’s Gaza peace plan. We welcome the agreement on the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. Reaffirmed that terrorism in any form or manifestation is unacceptable anywhere in the world,” Modi wrote on X.
When Modi’s call came, Netanyahu was in the middle of a security cabinet meeting to discuss the ceasefire and hostage-release deal in Gaza, according to a statement by the Israeli PMO quoted by Times of Israel.
“Prime Minister Modi congratulated Prime Minister Netanyahu on the agreement reached for the release of all the hostages,” said the statement, adding that PM Modi “noted that Netanyahu has always been a close friend and that their friendship will remain strong.” Netanyahu thanked him “for his support of Israel, and the two agreed to continue working in close cooperation”.
Earlier in the day, Modi praised Trump and Netanyahu’s efforts to end hostilities in Gaza and facilitate the release of hostages.
“We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu. We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace,” Modi wrote in the morning post on X.
Thursday’s phone call was the second between Modi and Trump after the one on September 16, amid strained India-US relations over the 50% tariffs imposed by the US on Indian exports, including a 25% penal tax because of India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Trade talks between the two countries resumed last month after weeks of lull.
Israel and Hamas agreed to the ‘first phase’ of Trump’s peace plan to pause fighting and release at some hostages and prisoners, the US President said on Wednesday.
Netanyahu’s office, however, said on Thursday that an agreement to secure the release of hostages in Gaza will take effect only after receiving cabinet approval.
