PM Modi appeals for de-escalation, calls for release of hostages in talks with Israel's Netanyahu
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (August 16) and appealed to the latter ‘to de-escalate the situation’ in West Asia.
PM Netanyahu had made a telephone call to PM Modi to give him wishes on India’s 78th Independence Day.
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“Appreciate PM @netanyahu’s phone call and warm wishes on India’s 78th Independence Day. We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Emphasized on the need to de-escalate the situation. Reiterated our call for immediate release of all hostages, ceasefire and need for continued humanitarian assistance,” said PM Modi, in a post shared on social media site X.
The Indian prime minister again reiterated the demand for the release of all hostages and underlined the need to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the war.
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Indian PM Modi calls early resolution of Israel-Hamas conflict
In a statement, the PMO stated, "PM Netanyahu conveyed his warm wishes on India’s 78th Independence Day. The two leaders discussed the prevailing situation in West Asia. PM Modi emphasises the need for de-escalating the situation and reiterates India’s call for the release of hostages, ceasefire and continued humanitarianaid."
PM Modi also appealed for an early and peaceful resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
The two leaders talked about different aspects of bilateral cooperation and ways to strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership.
Watch:Netanyahu vs Gallant: Is Israel PM sabotaging peace in Gaza?
Israelhas been facing diplomatic pressure to finalise a truce which can avert a wider war in the region amid theongoing talks in Qatar.
The international negotiators have for months not been able to finalise a truce or hostage release deal, however, the tensions have escalated in the region after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's killing and have underscored the urgency to reach a ceasefire agreement.
In the talks, the Palestinian militant group Hamas were not present as they said that they had accepted the terms and that Israel now needs to agree to it.
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)