logo
Israeli PM dials PM Modi amid conflict with Iran; India calls for peace

Israeli PM dials PM Modi amid conflict with Iran; India calls for peace

Business Standard15 hours ago

PM Modi conveyed India's concerns over the situation and emphasised the urgent need for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region
Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called 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.
Received a phone call from PM @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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2025
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.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The row over Israeli military map showing J&K as part of Pak, Northeast as Nepal
The row over Israeli military map showing J&K as part of Pak, Northeast as Nepal

First Post

time13 minutes ago

  • First Post

The row over Israeli military map showing J&K as part of Pak, Northeast as Nepal

Amid tensions with Tehran, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared a map that depicted the 'global threat' of Iranian missiles. However, the map incorrectly depicted India's international boundaries and showed Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan, and placed the states of the northeast within Nepal. While the IDF later apologised for the blunder, it left Indians fuming read more On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared a map on X that incorrectly depicted India's international boundaries. It showed Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan, and mistakenly placed the states of the northeast within Nepal. Image courtesy: X/@IDF A map meant to show the threat of Iranian missiles ended up causing a completely different kind of trouble for the Israeli military. On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared a map on X that incorrectly depicted India's international boundaries. It showed Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan, and mistakenly placed the states of the northeast within Nepal. The error didn't go unnoticed. Many Indian users quickly pointed out the blunder, calling it unacceptable and demanding that the IDF take the post down. Some even tagged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the backlash grew, the IDF stepped in to acknowledge the mistake. Here's a closer look at what happened. IDF's map blunder Amid an escalating military conflict with Iran, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared a stylised map on X, warning of Tehran's 'global threat' by showing the estimated reach of Iranian missiles. 'Iran is a global threat. Israel is not the end goal, it's only the beginning. We had no other choice but to act,' the Israeli military wrote in the post, adding a map that spanned West Asia, North Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia, including India, with incorrectly drawn borders. Iran is a global threat. Israel is not the end goal, it's only the beginning. We had no other choice but to act. — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 13, 2025 It omitted Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which are constitutionally integral parts of India. Aksai Chin, which is part of Ladakh, was also excluded from Indian territory. Arunachal Pradesh was also misrepresented. The graphic featured red concentric circles originating from Iran, highlighting the missile reach over neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia, Libya, Ethiopia, India, China, Russia, Turkey, and parts of Europe like Romania and Bulgaria. Soon after the post went live, Indian users flooded the comments. Many expressed disappointment and anger, calling the map misleading and insensitive. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Forget precision, it's no way near the truth. Why not change it rather than posting this sorry note? You need to understand India sentiments and our relationship. Better late than never, change it ASAP plz,' one user replied. Another tagged Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and demanded the map be deleted and re-posted with the correct borders. Some users even reminded Israel of India's historical support and the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers in defence of the country's territorial integrity. So far, the Indian government has not officially responded to the incident. IDF admits mistake, issues apology In the face of mounting criticism, the IDF eventually admitted its mistake and issued a public apology. 'This post is an illustration of the region. This map fails to precisely depict borders. We apologise for any offence caused by this image,' the IDF posted on X. This post is an illustration of the region. This map fails to precisely depict borders. We apologize for any offense caused by this image. — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 13, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The timing of the error struck a particularly sensitive chord because of the strong ties shared between India and Israel in recent years. In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian leader to visit Israel, marking a key moment in bilateral relations. Since then, the relationship has grown steadily. India is now one of Israel's largest trading partners, behind only the US, UK, Hong Kong, and China, and a major buyer of Israeli defence equipment. With such strong ties, many found the map blunder unexpected and disappointing. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) sign the guest book at the Indian Army Cemetery of World War I to honour fallen Indian soldiers, in the Israeli coastal city of Haifa July 6, 2017. File image/ Reuters Meanwhile, the map was originally shared as part of Israel's messaging around its latest military action— Operation Rising Lion . On Friday, Israel launched massive airstrikes on Tehran, claiming it was targeting Iran's nuclear enrichment infrastructure. The strikes reportedly killed over 70 people, including several high-ranking Iranian military commanders, and destroyed key facilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles targeting several areas in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, following a stern warning from its military that 'everyone will feel it.' By Saturday, the situation had worsened further, with additional waves of offensive attacks from both sides. With input from agencies

Cyprus, Canada and Croatia: PM Modi's first foreign visit since Operation Sindoor
Cyprus, Canada and Croatia: PM Modi's first foreign visit since Operation Sindoor

Time of India

time17 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Cyprus, Canada and Croatia: PM Modi's first foreign visit since Operation Sindoor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File photo) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on an official visit to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia from June 15 to 19, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday. According to the MEA, PM Modi will begin his trip in Cyprus on June 15-16, then travel to Kananaskis, Canada, on June 16-17 to participate in the G-7 Summit, before concluding with an official visit to Croatia on June 18. "At the invitation of the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, PM Modi will pay an official visit to Cyprus June 15-16. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. While in Nicosia, the Prime Minister will hold talks with President Christodoulides and address business leaders in Limassol," the MEA said. The visit is expected to reaffirm the two nations' shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and boosting India's engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union. In the second leg of the tour, PM Modi will head to Canada to participate in the G-7 Summit at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. "This would be PM Modi's 6th consecutive participation in the G-7 Summit," the MEA stated. At the summit, the Prime Minister will join discussions with G-7 leaders, outreach countries, and heads of international organisations on pressing global issues, including energy security, technology, innovation, the AI-energy nexus, and Quantum-related topics. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like GMC's New Sierra Is Turning Heads (See Prices) FrequentSearches | Search Ads Learn More Undo PM Modi is also scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. The final stop of his tour will be Croatia, where PM Modi will pay an official visit on June 18 at the invitation of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. This will mark the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, described by the MEA as a significant milestone in India-Croatia relations. During his stay, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Plenkovic and meet Croatian President Zoran Milanovic. The visit is expected to further strengthen India's ties with its partners in the European Union.

Renewed Iran–Israel conflict threatens Red Sea shipping route recovery, impact India trade
Renewed Iran–Israel conflict threatens Red Sea shipping route recovery, impact India trade

Indian Express

time21 minutes ago

  • Indian Express

Renewed Iran–Israel conflict threatens Red Sea shipping route recovery, impact India trade

Just as global shipping lines and traders had started to breathe a sigh of relief from elevated freight rates, with vessels returning to the crucial Red Sea route from the longer Cape of Good Hope passage, a conflict between two major West Asian powers — Iran and Israel —has reignited fears of surging oil prices and more trade disruptions. The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel are also sending shockwaves through global stock markets, with India's benchmark Sensex closing 573 points lower on Friday. Signs of a sustained escalation emerged after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said strikes targeting military and nuclear sites across Iran would continue 'for as many days as it takes'. This follows Israeli airstrikes that killed at least three senior Iranian military officers, including Hossein Salami, head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard. In response, Iran termed the attacks a 'declaration of war' and launched around 100 drones towards Israel in the early hours of June 13, many of which were intercepted, according to Israeli authorities. Adding to tensions, US President Donald Trump stated that further Israeli strikes could be 'even more brutal'. Experts warn that Iran may respond by closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a key passage through which 20–25 per cent of global oil supply transits, as well as a critical corridor for LNG shipments from Qatar and the UAE. Qatar, notably, is among the top LNG suppliers to India. The renewed instability could pose deeper macroeconomic challenges for India, extending beyond trade, particularly as the country's reliance on oil imports continues to rise. While India was compelled to halt oil imports from Iran following US sanctions in 2019, Goldman Sachs estimates that Iranian supply could fall by 1.75 million barrels per day (b/d) for six months before gradually recovering. 'Assuming OPEC+ compensates for half the peak shortfall from spare capacity, Brent could rise above $90 per barrel before retreating to the $60s by 2026 as supply recovers,' the investment bank noted. A fall in prices of fruits, pulses, and cereals had helped lower India's headline retail inflation to a 75-month low of 2.82 per cent in May 2025. This easing inflationary trend had prompted the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to cut the policy repo rate by a larger-than-expected 50 basis points. However, the RBI cautioned that 'monetary policy is left with very limited space to support growth'. S&P Global noted that, so far, both Iran and Israel have avoided directly targeting energy infrastructure. However, Israel has temporarily shut its Leviathan gas field — a key supplier to Egypt and Jordan — as a precaution. Iran, meanwhile, reported no damage to its oil refineries or storage depots in the initial attacks. Iran possesses approximately 2.2 million b/d of crude refining capacity and an additional 600,000 b/d of condensate splitter capacity. In May, it produced about 4 million b/d of crude and condensate. According to S&P Global, Iran's crude exports could fall below 1.5 million b/d this month. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President S C Ralhan had said in May that conditions in the Red Sea were improving, with ships resuming their regular routes. Exporters believed the risk of a wider conflict remained contained — as long as major powers like Israel and Iran stayed out of direct confrontation. Now, with traders' worst fears materialising, vessels may be forced to continue using the Cape of Good Hope route. This detour means sustained upward pressure on freight rates. The Red Sea crisis had already caused a spike in shipping costs due to voyage times increasing by 10–14 days. Longer voyages also tightened vessel availability, exerting inflationary pressure on freight rates. The crisis also hit liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows through the Suez Canal, which dropped to 4.15 million tonnes in 2024 — down sharply from 32.36 million tonnes in 2023 and 34.94 million tonnes in 2022, according to Kpler data. Meanwhile, LNG volumes via the Cape of Good Hope rose more than five-fold, from 11.76 million tonnes in 2022 to 59.37 million tonnes in 2024. Ravi Dutta Mishra is a Principal Correspondent with The Indian Express, covering policy issues related to trade, commerce, and banking. He has over five years of experience and has previously worked with Mint, CNBC-TV18, and other news outlets. ... Read More

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store