New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump on Thursday, lauding him for the successful mediation of a historic ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The leaders also reviewed progress in ongoing India-US trade talks, strengthening bilateral ties.
The ceasefire, marking the first phase of a US-brokered peace plan, has brought renewed hope to the war-torn region. Celebrations erupted on Gaza’s streets as the agreement was announced, ending a conflict that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas’s attack on Israel killed around 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory strikes devastated Gaza, with the local health ministry reporting over 67,000 Palestinian deaths and 170,000 injuries.
Modi praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts, previously noting on social media that the deal reflects Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strong leadership. “This agreement paves the way for lasting peace by ensuring the release of hostages and delivering aid to Gaza’s people,” Modi said. Trump hailed the deal as a monumental step towards ending the two-year conflict, with speculation growing about a potential visit to Israel.
The conversation also underscored the deepening India-US partnership, with both leaders expressing optimism about advancing trade negotiations. The Gaza peace deal, coupled with strengthened bilateral ties, signals a new chapter in global diplomacy.