- Monday, May 06, 2024
Both the prime ministers also expressed deep concern over terrorism, the worsening security situation and deaths of civilians in the region.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday (3) had a conversation with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak over phone in which they discussed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East while stressing on the need to attain regional peace and stability.
The two leaders also agreed on the importance of securing an “ambitious” trade deal between the two countries, negotiations over which are still underway and it could be finalised this year. Following the call between Modi and Sunak, a spokesperson for the British PM’s office said in a readout that the duo spoke over the recent progress on Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
“They agreed on the importance of securing an ambitious deal that benefited both sides,” a spokeswoman for Sunak’s office said in a readout following the call with Modi,” the official said, according to a Reuters report.
Earlier this evening, spoke to UK PM @RishiSunak. Discussed means to strengthen bilateral relations and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. We agree that there is no place for terror and violence. Death of civilians is a serious concern. Need to work towards regional…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 3, 2023
Modi also congratulated Sunak over completion of a year in office.
The Indian prime minister took to X, formerly Twitter, where he said that he discussed the situation in the Middle East where Israel and the Palestinian militant outfit Hamas are in the middle of a deadly war which was triggered by an attack by the militant group. The war has seen deaths of several thousand on both sides.
Modi stressed on the need to work towards achieving regional peace, security, stability and humanitarian assistance in the region.
Both the prime ministers also expressed deep concern over terrorism, the worsening security situation and deaths of civilians.
Sunak visited Israel in October soon after US president Joe Biden in a display of solidarity with the Jewish state. Modi also expressed support for Israel twice after Hamas’s attacks on October 7 and it led to a backlash in India’s domestic politics with many accusing New Delhi of changing its traditional stance on the Israel-Palestine issue. India’s external affairs minister later came up with a more balanced stance saying India wanted a sovereign Palestine state coexisting peacefully with Israel.
“Earlier this evening, spoke to UK PM @RishiSunak. Discussed means to strengthen bilateral relations and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. We agree that there is no place for terror and violence. Death of civilians is a serious concern. Need to work towards regional peace, security, stability and continued humanitarian assistance,” Modi said on X.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to continue to strengthen bilateral comprehensive strategic partnerships between India and the UK, including in trade, investment, health, defence, and emerging technology, among others.
Modi and Sunak, who is of Indian origin, also agreed to remain in touch and exchanged greetings for the upcoming Hindu festival of Diwali.
