PM Modi receives call from Netanyahu; discuss India-Israel ties, West Asia as Hormuz deal nears

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a telephone call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, August 6, and discussed the latest developments in West Asia, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The two leaders also reviewed India-Israel relations and the progress made under the Special Strategic Partnership between the countries.

Bilateral ties reviewed

PM Modi and Netanyahu reaffirmed their commitment to expand bilateral cooperation across several sectors for the mutual benefit of India and Israel, the PMO said.

“PM Netanyahu and PM Modi exchanged views on the recent developments in West Asia. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch,” the statement said.

Their conversation took place as the conflict in West Asia entered its sixth month with no lasting solution in sight.

Hormuz deal nears

Iran on Thursday said it had reached the final stage of drafting an agreement with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said both countries had agreed on the geographical coordinates of the proposed shipping routes.

“The geographical coordinates of the route envisaged by the two sides have been agreed upon and, if certain third parties do not obstruct the process, the joint statement of the two countries, containing the main considerations and points of agreement, is also in the final review and drafting stage,” AFP quoted Baghaei as saying.

“The factors making the Strait of Hormuz insecure still exist on the part of the United States, particularly the naval blockade and other aggressive and threatening actions against Iran and its interests,” he added.

Before US and Israeli strikes on Iran began in February, nearly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

Temporary solution expected

Regional officials cited by the Associated Press said the draft deal would require approval from Iran’s Supreme Leader. They described it as a temporary solution to the dispute over the strategic waterway.

The agreement could also help the United States and Iran resume negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme, according to the officials.

Under the proposed arrangement, vessels would enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and leave through a route controlled by Oman. Officials said ships would pay service fees for security and protection of the maritime environment.

The United States has opposed the proposed fees and maintained that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and free for all vessels