PM Modi Congratulates Trump, Netanyahu On Gaza Peace Deal; Discusses India-US Trade Progress
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the successful implementation of the Gaza peace plan — a landmark step aimed at ending a devastating war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
In a post on X, PM Modi said he had a conversation with President Trump, during which they also discussed ongoing India-US trade negotiations. He indicated that both countries would see increased engagement in the coming weeks.
“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,” PM Modi wrote.
He also shared details of his call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, where the two leaders discussed the progress of the peace deal and reaffirmed India’s stance against terrorism.
“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 said.
Earlier on Thursday, Israel confirmed that all parties had signed the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Egypt. The deal is based on Trump’s 20-point peace proposal announced last month, following more than two years of conflict triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attacks on Israel.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian confirmed that the deal ensures the release of all hostages — both living and deceased — within 72 hours of signing. In return, Israel will withdraw its forces from Gaza and release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The agreement also allows a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the UN has already declared a famine.
President Trump is expected to visit Jerusalem on Sunday and may also travel to Egypt and Gaza as part of his peace mission. His plan further envisions the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a transitional authority for Gaza, potentially led by the US president himself, though discussions on this remain ongoing.
India-US Trade Talks
PM Modi’s reference to progress in India-US trade negotiations comes soon after Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that talks on a bilateral trade agreement were advancing steadily.
“We are in constant dialogue with the US (on the trade pact), and talks are on at various levels. We will give more information soon on how we plan to take it forward,” Goyal said earlier this week in Doha, expressing optimism about meeting the November deadline for finalisation.
He reiterated India’s commitment to protecting farmers, the dairy sector, and religious sensitivities — as it has done in trade pacts with the UK, EFTA bloc, and Australia.
The United States continues to be India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year in 2024–25, with bilateral trade reaching $131.84 billion. The US accounts for 18% of India’s total exports, 6.2% of imports, and over 10% of total merchandise trade.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
