Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the situation in the Middle East during a phone call on Friday. The two leaders also reviewed the progress of the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation between the two countries across several sectors.

Prime Minister Modi said he received a phone call from Netanyahu and discussed both bilateral ties and the current situation in West Asia. "Received a phone call from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We reviewed progress on various aspects of the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership which continues to grow from strength-to-strength. We also exchanged views on the current situation in West Asia," PM Modi said in a post on X after the phone call.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the two leaders reviewed the sustained progress in India-Israel relations during their conversation. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation across various sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries. The two leaders also agreed to remain in touch, the PMO said.

The phone call comes as the two countries continue to deepen their strategic partnership. India and Israel have expanded cooperation in areas such as defence, security, technology, agriculture, water management, healthcare and entrepreneurship. Both sides have also placed greater focus on emerging technologies and innovation as part of their long-term partnership.

In February, Prime Minister Modi travelled to Israel with a high-level delegation of ministers and officials for a two-day visit at the invitation of Netanyahu. During the visit, the two leaders recalled Modi's historic visit to Israel in 2017 and Netanyahu's visit to India in 2018. They said these visits laid the foundation for a new phase of partnership and collaboration between the two countries.

The leaders noted the "immense progress" made in India-Israel relations across several areas. These included emerging technologies, cybersecurity, agriculture, water management, health, entrepreneurship, defence and security. The discussions also focused on taking the partnership forward through greater cooperation in technology and innovation.

During the February visit, Modi and Netanyahu agreed to elevate the existing Strategic Partnership to a new level. They announced the creation of a 'Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity'.

The two leaders said the partnership would remain focused on shared goals of peace, security and prosperity. They also highlighted the role of technological innovation and entrepreneurship in strengthening bilateral relations. Israel brings strong capabilities in technology and innovation, while India offers a large talent pool, manufacturing capabilities and entrepreneurial strength.

The India-Israel joint statement issued on February 26 outlined the areas where both countries plan to expand cooperation. "The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared vision for a robust special strategic partnership rooted in mutual aspirations for peace, security and prosperity through technological innovations and entrepreneurship. The leaders acknowledged that Indian and Israeli capabilities complement each other perfectly - Israel is a global powerhouse of technology and innovation, India serves as a hub of talent, manufacturing excellence and entrepreneurial energy.

"The Prime Ministers affirmed their commitment to integrating India's and Israel's advancements in AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, agriculture and water management, defence platforms, and space exploration. This partnership strengthens India's vision of an 'Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat 2047', aims to spark the next wave of technological transformation and shared progress of both countries," the India-Israel joint statement issued on February 26 noted.

The latest conversation between Modi and Netanyahu reflects the continued importance both countries place on their strategic relationship. Their discussions covered the ongoing situation in West Asia as well as progress in bilateral cooperation. Both leaders also reiterated their intention to maintain close contact and continue working to strengthen ties.

The India-Israel partnership has steadily expanded beyond traditional areas such as defence and security. Cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, agriculture, water management and space is now also part of the broader partnership. The two countries aim to combine their respective strengths to support innovation, economic growth and technological development.

The latest phone call also comes against the backdrop of continued developments in the Middle East.