Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended congratulations to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump for the successful implementation of the Gaza peace plan, a significant initiative proposed by Trump to end a war that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.
In a post on X, PM Modi also revealed that he discussed ongoing India-US trade negotiations with Trump, hinting at increased activity in the coming weeks.
Modi stated, “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.”
In another post, he addressed the Gaza agreement and reiterated India’s stance on terrorism, saying, “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.”
Earlier on Friday, Israel confirmed that all parties had signed the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal in Egypt. The agreement follows a 20-point peace plan for Gaza announced by Trump in September, after more than two years of conflict triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian told reporters, “The final draft of phase one was signed this morning in Egypt by all parties to release all the hostages. Now phase one stands very clear: all of our hostages, the living and the deceased, will be released 72 hours later, which will bring us to Monday.”
Under the terms of the deal, the Israeli military will withdraw from Gaza and release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. The agreement also includes provisions for a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the United Nations has declared a famine. The Israeli army confirmed it is preparing to pull back troops in line with the agreement.
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Trump’s plan further proposes the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a transitional authority in Gaza led by the US president, though these elements are yet to be addressed in negotiations. Trump is expected to visit Jerusalem on Sunday, and has not ruled out potential trips to Egypt and Gaza.
On the India-US trade front, PM Modi’s comments align with recent statements by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who, on Tuesday, in Doha, said, “We are in constant dialogue with the US (on the trade pact), and talks are on at various levels. We will give more information on this soon on how we are thinking to take it forward.”
Goyal expressed optimism about meeting the November deadline to finalise the deal, adding, “there is every possibility” of adhering to the timeline. He emphasised India’s commitment to protecting its farmers and dairy sector, noting that similar considerations were upheld in trade agreements with the UK, the EFTA bloc, and Australia, while also respecting religious sensitivities.
The US has been India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year in 2024-25, with bilateral trade valued at $131.84 billion, including $86.5 billion in exports. The US accounts for approximately 18 per cent of India’s total goods exports, 6.22 per cent of its imports, and 10.73 per cent of its overall merchandise trade.
Also Read: Israel and Hamas agree on first phase of Gaza peace plan
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