Israeli PM dials PM Modi amid conflict with Iran; India calls for peace
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Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahucalled PM Narendra Modi on Friday to speak about the evolving situation in the region.
"Received a phone call from PM Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India's concerns and emphasized the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region," PM Modi said in a post on X.
The call comes hours after Israel carried out a pre-emptive strike on Iran early Friday, focusing on sites linked to its nuclear programme. Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation, which comes amid escalating tensions over Iran’s growing nuclear capabilities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the strike was part of ‘Operation Rising Lion’, intended to counter what Israel sees as threats from Tehran. According to media reports, Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Mohammad Bagheri; the Commander of the Revolutionary Guards, General Hossein Salami; and the head of Iran’s Emergency Command were all killed in the strikes.
In retaliation, Iran reportedly launched a counteroffensive involving over 100 drones targeting various sites across Israel. However, Israeli defence systems were promptly engaged to intercept the aerial threats.
India expresses concern
Earlier in the day, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed "deep concern" over the escalation between Israel and Iran, urging both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further destabilising the region.
In an official statement, the MEA said, “We are deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites.”
Calling for dialogue over conflict, the MEA added, “India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues.”
Other Latest News
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The Congress on Saturday cited that on 13 occasions, US President Donald Trump has publicly "trumpeted" that he brought about a "ceasefire" between India and Pakistan, and asked when will Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak up on these claims.
"Today President Trump turns 79. In the 34 days between May 10, 2025, and June 13, 2025, he trumpeted publicly on 13 different occasions in 3 different countries that he had brought about a ceasefire between India and Pakistan using trade with America as a carrot and stick, Congress general secretary in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh, said on X.
Iran's UN ambassador said on Friday that 78 people have been killed and over 320 injured in Israeli attacks.
Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Israel's "barbaric and criminal attack" and assassinations were against senior military officials and nuclear scientists. But he said "the overwhelming majority" of victims were civilians, women and children.
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The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to senior journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, whom the Andhra Pradesh Police arrested for allegedly making disparaging remarks against greenfield capital city Amaravati on his live show.
The top court passed the order on Rao's plea challenging his arrest.
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