Jerusalem/New Delhi– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday about the “evolving situation” following Israel’s military operation against Iran, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.
“Received a phone call from PM Netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India’s concerns and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” Prime Minister Modi posted on X following the conversation.
According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader has been in communication with global counterparts—including Modi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and French President Emmanuel Macron—since the launch of what Israel has termed Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military campaign aimed at neutralizing what it calls the “Iranian threat of annihilation.”
The statement added that Netanyahu is expected to continue these high-level discussions in the coming days, including planned calls with U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the UK Prime Minister. “The leaders expressed understanding of Israel’s defense needs in light of the existential threat posed by Iran,” it said.
Earlier Friday, Netanyahu announced the launch of Operation Rising Lion, a military strike intended to dismantle Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons infrastructure. He vowed the operation would continue “for as many days as it takes” to eliminate the threat.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Israeli Air Force jets, acting on precision intelligence, carried out overnight strikes on Iran’s uranium enrichment site in Natanz. The facility, one of Iran’s most heavily fortified and secretive, was described by the IDF as “the largest enrichment site in Iran, designed to enable military-grade uranium production.”
“In the strike, the underground enrichment hall, containing multiple centrifuges, electrical systems, and critical operational infrastructure, was damaged,” the IDF stated on X. “This infrastructure plays a central role in Iran’s nuclear weapons aspirations. We remain committed to preventing the Iranian regime from obtaining such capabilities.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement expressing deep concern over the developments and called for restraint.
“India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps,” the MEA said. “Channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be used to de-escalate the situation and address underlying concerns. India enjoys friendly ties with both nations and stands ready to provide support.”
The MEA also confirmed that Indian embassies in Israel and Iran are in touch with Indian nationals in both countries and advised them to exercise caution and follow local safety advisories.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has launched a global outreach initiative, speaking with his counterparts worldwide to explain the Cabinet’s unanimous decision and the rationale behind the IDF strikes. The Foreign Ministry has activated its emergency protocols, including an international operations room to coordinate Israel’s global diplomatic efforts.
“All Israeli missions are working to secure diplomatic legitimacy for the ongoing military action,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The situation remains fluid as regional and international leaders weigh responses to the rapidly unfolding crisis. (Source: IANS)
