File photo: PM Modi with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu (Picture credit: ANI)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel strategic partnership in the coming year.In a post on X, PM Modi said he conveyed New Year greetings to Netanyahu and the people of Israel. He described the Israeli leader as his “friend” and said the conversation focused on taking bilateral cooperation forward across key areas.“Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel,” PM Modi wrote. He added that both leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead.The Prime Minister also said that the two leaders exchanged views on the regional situation. PM Modi said both sides further reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination.“We also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed our shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination,” the Prime Minister said in his post.This is the first direct conversation between the two leaders since the start of 2026.