Name: Watch: Pakistan minister's video message ahead of India trip for SCO meet
Uploaded: 2023-05-04T13:37:15.000+05:30
Duration: T00M26S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: Foreign ministers of SCO member-states are meeting in Goa on May 4 and 5, 2023.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and paid tribute to Holocaust victims during his Israel visit.

PM Modi pays tributes to victims of Holocaust at Yad Vashem memorial

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and paid tribute to Holocaust victims during his Israel visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem and paid tributes to the victims of the Holocaust.
He was accompanied by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
At the start of the visit, the two leaders toured the Hall of Names, during which Netanyahu showed Modi the names of his wife Sara's relatives who perished in the Holocaust.
Following the tour, a memorial ceremony was held, in which Prime Minister Modi laid a wreath and placed a stone to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust.
"Laid a wreath at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Grateful to PM Netanyahu for accompanying me during this visit," Modi said in a post on 'X'.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Laid a wreath at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Grateful to PM Netanyahu for accompanying me during this visit. Also visited the Hall of Names, a solemn space that preserves the memory of those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust. The Holocaust&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/fU8PrM9ZJu">pic.twitter.com/fU8PrM9ZJu</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2026964732943671421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Modi said he also visited the Hall of Names, a solemn space that preserves the memory of those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust.
"The Holocaust stands as one of humanity&rsquo;s darkest chapters. It is an eternal reminder of the need to uphold humanity, dignity and peace," Modi said.
This was the second visit of Prime Minister Modi to Yad Vashem.
Established in 1953 by an act of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), Yad Vashem is entrusted with Holocaust commemoration, documentation, research and education.
"Honouring the memory of victims of the Holocaust and renewing our shared commitment to uphold peace and human dignity. PM @narendramodi visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
"The memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the brutality of the past and our collective resolve to stand against injustice and create a better world," Jaiswal said.
Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday on a two-day visit to the country. It is his second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during his first visit to that country in July 2017.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held comprehensive talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, focusing on defence, security, trade, technology and agriculture.

PM Modi & PM Netanyahu hold talks to solidify India-Israel strategic ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held comprehensive talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, focusing on defence, security, trade, technology and agriculture.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held wide-ranging talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, focusing on boosting bilateral ties in areas of defence and security, trade, technology and agriculture.
The two sides are also expected to deliberate on the prevailing situation in the Middle East.
India and Israel are also likely to discuss the implementation of the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and cooperation under the framework of I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA).
Ahead of his talks with Netanyahu, PM Modi met Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Both leaders explored avenues to further enhance cooperation in education, start-ups, innovation, technology and connectivity, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on the Modi-Herzog meeting.
PM Modi landed in Israel on Wednesday on a two-day visit with an aim to impart a new momentum to the bilateral ties.
It is Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during Modi's first visit to that country in July 2017.
India and Israel share a robust strategic partnership with strong cooperation across science and technology, innovation, defence and security, trade and investment, agriculture, water, and people-to-people relations.
There has been an upswing in India-Israel ties in the last few years, including in the areas of defence, scientific research, cybersecurity and innovation.
The defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of the partnership between the two sides, with Israel supplying a plethora of military platforms and weapon systems to India.
The trade and investment ties between the two sides are also witnessing steady progress.
During the visit to Israel of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in November, the term of reference (ToR) for the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and Israel was signed.
In September, the two sides had inked a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) to expand economic cooperation.
The people-to-people ties between the two countries are also an important aspect of the overall relations, with over 41,000-strong Indian diaspora playing a key role in the two-way engagement.
In November 2023, India and Israel signed a bilateral framework agreement to facilitate the temporary and legal employment of Indian workers in Israel.
Since then, 20,000 Indians arrived in Israel, both under the Government-to-Government route and through private channels, according to officials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered India’s first-ever address to Israel’s Knesset, affirming strong bilateral ties and zero tolerance for terrorism. He also backed the UN-endorsed Gaza Peace Initiative.

Modi at Knesset: India backs Gaza peace plan, declares 'terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered India&rsquo;s first-ever address to Israel&rsquo;s Knesset, affirming strong bilateral ties and zero tolerance for terrorism. He also backed the UN-endorsed Gaza Peace Initiative.

In a historic address to Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the Gaza Peace Initiative as a path for "just and durable peace" in the entire region even as he delivered a powerful message of solidarity to Israel, asserting that "terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere".
Modi said like Israel, India has a "consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards" and called for sustained and coordinated global efforts to counter the menace.
The prime minister's address to the Knesset, Israel's house of representatives, came hours after he landed in the country to a rousing welcome with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu along with HIS wife Sara receiving him at the Ben Gurion airport.
"I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 (2023)," Modi said.
"We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment, and beyond. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism," he said.
Marking the first-ever speech by an Indian prime minister to the Knesset, Modi showed India's strong resolve to combat terrorism with full force.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and several other senior leaders were among the parliamentarians who attended the event.
"India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, with no double standards," he said.
"Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development, and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere."
"That is why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability," he noted.
The prime also delved into the evolving situation in the Middle East and referred to Israel signing the Abraham Accords with a number of countries a few years back.
"It was a moment of new hope for a long-troubled region. Since then, the situation has changed significantly. The path is even more challenging. Yet it is important to sustain that hope," he said.
In the current context, Modi explicitly backed the Gaza Peace Initiative, describing the UN Security Council-endorsed plan as the definitive path toward a "just and durable peace" for the entire region.
"The Gaza Peace Initiative that was endorsed by the UN Security Council offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support for the initiative," Modi said.
"We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue," he said.
"Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity. The road to peace is not always easy. But India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region," he added.
The prime minister said that there is great admiration in India for Israel&rsquo;s "resolve, courage, and achievements".
"Long before we related to each other as modern states, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years," he said.
Modi said India and Israel are "democracies shaped by history and focused on the future".
"Our partnership is grounded in shared experience and shared aspirations. Our strong partnership not only serves national interests but also contributes to global stability and prosperity," he said.
Highlighting robust ties between the two countries, Modi said, "In today's uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance."
The prime minister also highlighted India's economic growth as well as Israel's technological prowess.
"For the last few years, India has been the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies globally," he said.
"At the same time, Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership. This creates a natural foundation for a forward-looking partnership."
"We are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows, and promoting joint infrastructure development," he added.
Modi said the bilateral investment treaty signed by the two sides last year will provide confidence and predictability to businesses.
"In the last few years, India has concluded a number of important trade agreements with other nations. To your West, the European Union, and the UK. To your East, the UAE and Oman," he said.
The prime minister said India-Israel bilateral goods trade has grown manifold in recent years.
At the same time, he noted that it does not reflect the "full scope of opportunity".
"That is why our teams are working hard to negotiate an ambitious Free Trade Agreement. It will unlock the vast untapped potential in our trade relationship," he said.
"Israel is often called the 'start-up nation'. In recent years, we have also been working to unlock the innovation and creativity of our youth," Modi said.
"I recall that in 2018, Prime Minister Netanyahu and I inaugurated the iCreate Technology Business Incubator in India. Since then, it has supported nearly 900 such start-ups," he said.
Modi said India and Israel will also work closely in different formats, such as the India&ndash;Middle East&ndash;Europe Economic Corridor and the I2U2 framework between India, Israel, the UAE and the US.
"Defence and Security is another important pillar of our partnership. In November last year, we signed an MoU on Defence Cooperation. In today&rsquo;s uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ — the highest honour of Israel’s Parliament — in recognition of his role in strengthening strategic ties between India and Israel.

PM Modi conferred with Israel's 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the &lsquo;Speaker of the Knesset Medal&rsquo; &mdash; the highest honour of Israel&rsquo;s Parliament &mdash; in recognition of his role in strengthening strategic ties between India and Israel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with the &lsquo;Speaker of the Knesset Medal&rsquo; in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel.
The Indian prime minister is the first leader to receive this medal, which is the highest honour of the Knesset - the Israeli Parliament.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana conferred the award on the prime minister after his address at the Israeli Parliament.
The medal was conferred in recognition of the prime minister's exceptional contribution &ndash; through his personal leadership &ndash; to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel.
PM Modi said the award was "not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel".
&ldquo;I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset. I accept it with humility and gratitude. This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations,&rdquo; Modi wrote on social media.
PM Modi is a rare world leader who has received top awards from both Israel and Palestine.
In 2018, PM Modi was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, which is the highest Palestinian honour for foreign leaders.
This is the latest addition to PM Modi's distinguished list of over 28 highest civilian awards from foreign nations, including recent honours such as Order of Oman and Ethiopia's Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia and Kuwait's Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer.
It is PM Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during his first visit to that country in July 2017.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on a State Visit, receiving a ceremonial red-carpet welcome at Ben Gurion Airport from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara.

'Welcome, My Friend': Netanyahu receives PM Modi at airport in show of new momentum in India-Israel ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on a State Visit, receiving a ceremonial red-carpet welcome at Ben Gurion Airport from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Israel on Wednesday to a red-carpet welcome with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, along with wife Sara, receiving the Indian leader at the Ben Gurion airport, signalling a new momentum in the bilateral ties.
It is PM Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during his first visit to that country in July 2017.
"It's a great honour to welcome you to Israel, Prime Minister Modi," the Israeli prime minister said.
Netanyahu greeted the Indian prime minister with a warm hug and a handshake following which Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport, located 20 kilometres southeast of Tel Aviv.
"I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship," Modi said on social media.
PM Netanyahu said he and Modi share a "close personal relationship, speak often, and I believe that the deep friendship between us powerfully reflects on the ties between our two countries."
"My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel," the Israeli prime minister said on 'X'.
In his pre-departure statement, Modi said he was confident that the visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between India and Israel and set new goals for the strategic partnership.
"India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years," Modi said.
"I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, technology, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties," he said.
Modi said he and Netanyahu will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
"I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the strategic partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future," Modi said.
The prime minister's visit assumed greater significance as it is taking place amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including deteriorating ties between the US and Iran.
There has been an upswing in India-Israel ties in the last few years, including in the areas of defence, scientific research, cybersecurity and innovation.
The defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of the partnership between the two sides, with Israel supplying a plethora of military platforms and weapon systems to India.
In November last, during the visit of India's defence secretary to Israel, an important agreement on defence cooperation was signed.
As India is looking at developing an indigenous air defence shield called "Sudarshan Chakra", it is learnt that New Delhi would like to explore the possibility of incorporating certain elements from Israel's Iron Dome all-weather air defence system that can intercept and destroy missiles and artillery shells.
The trade and investment ties between the two sides are also witnessing steady progress.
During the visit to Israel of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in November, the term of reference (ToR) for the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and Israel was signed.
In September, the two sides had inked a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) to expand economic cooperation.
The people-to-people ties between the two countries are also an important aspect of the overall relations, with over 41,000-strong Indian diaspora playing a key role in the two-way engagement.

US President Donald Trump, in his State of the Union address, said Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him that 35 million people would have died if not for his role in stopping a war between India and Pakistan.

Trump says Pak PM Shehbaz told him millions would have died without his intervention

US President Donald Trump, in his State of the Union address, said Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him that 35 million people would have died if not for his role in stopping a war between India and Pakistan.

US President Donald Trump has said that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him that 35 million people would have died if it were not for his intervention in stopping the war between India and Pakistan.
In his over 100-minute State of the Union address on Tuesday, Trump repeated his claim that he had helped prevent what could have escalated into a nuclear war between the two South Asian neighbours.
&ldquo;In my first 10 months, I ended eight wars... including Pakistan and India, which would have been a nuclear war. Thirty-five million people, said the Prime Minister of Pakistan, would have died if it were not for my involvement,&rdquo; Trump said.
He has previously made similar claims, stating that Sharif credited him with saving millions of lives by helping end the conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours. On earlier occasions, Trump cited lower figures, including 25 million and later 10 million lives.
Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for stopping the conflict &mdash; an assertion he has made about 100 times since May 10 last year, when he announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a &ldquo;full and immediate&rdquo; ceasefire after a &ldquo;long night&rdquo; of talks mediated by Washington.
India has consistently denied any third-party intervention.
In his address, Trump also listed other conflicts he claimed to have helped resolve, including Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Congo and Rwanda, and the war in Gaza, which he said was now proceeding &ldquo;at a very low level&rdquo;.
He said the US was restoring security at home and abroad. &ldquo;We're proudly restoring safety for Americans at home and we are also restoring security for Americans abroad. Our country has never been stronger,&rdquo; Trump said in his second State of the Union address of his second term in the White House.
At one point, some Democratic lawmakers interrupted his speech, prompting Trump to respond, &ldquo;Isn't it funny? Sick people.&rdquo;

US President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to highlight economic and security achievements while defending his administration against criticism over polls, tariffs and foreign policy.

Trump tries to reset presidency in State of the Union speech

US President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to highlight economic and security achievements while defending his administration against criticism over polls, tariffs and foreign policy.

US President Donald Trump boasted Tuesday of a "turnaround for the ages" in his State of the Union speech, seeking to reverse dismal polls and see off mounting challenges at home and abroad ahead of crucial midterm elections.
Trump sought to paint a rosy picture of his achievements in his longest-ever speech to Congress -- and despite branding Democrats "crazy" the Republican president largely struck a measured tone.
But Trump's speech -- met with repeated standing ovations from Republicans while Democrats remained seated in protest and sometimes heckled -- was notably short on actual policy announcements.
As US naval and air forces massed in the Middle East, Trump claimed Iran was seeking missiles able to hit US territory but said his "preference" was for a diplomatic solution.
Trump began what became a record-breaking one hour and 47 minute State of the Union by painting an optimistic picture, declaring America was "bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before."
"Tonight, after just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages," Trump said.
The 79-year-old hopes the primetime speech, broadcast across all major networks, will help him to sell that message to voters after a deeply divisive first year back in power.
 - 'Delusional' -
Top Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer called Trump's speech "delusional" and said it failed to address the struggles of ordinary Americans.
Underwater in opinion polls, Trump focused on what he said were his administration's economic achievements but offered little solace for voters angered by the cost of living.
Trump fears his Republican Party will lose control over Congress in the November midterms, paralyzing the rest of his second term and exposing him to a possible third impeachment.
He sought to seize on national enthusiasm over Team USA's gold medal winning Olympic ice hockey performance by inviting the players to join him in the Chamber to massive cheers and chants of "USA!"
He then announced he was awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the country's highest civilian honor -- to the team's goalie.
And he handed Medals of Honor -- the highest military award -- to a helicopter pilot wounded in January's attack to topple Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and also to a 100-year-old Korean War veteran.
 - 'Sinister nuclear ambitions' -
Turning to what he said were his administration's efforts to boost US security, Trump claimed that Iran is seeking missiles that could reach the United States.
He repeated his insistence that the country would never be allowed to build a nuclear weapon, saying that Tehran's leaders were "at this moment again pursuing their sinister nuclear ambitions."
Iran has repeatedly denied that it is seeking a nuclear weapon.
Trump left the door open for a peaceful resolution, noting that negotiations were continuing and said "my preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy."
He boasted that Venezuela was now shipping oil to the United States after Washington ousted its leader, and celebrated the killing of a Mexican narco kingpin.
 - Trump lashes out -
At about the hour mark, Trump resumed his customary dark rhetoric against opponents and undocumented immigrants.
Trump claimed Democrats were "destroying our country" and that Somali "pirates" had "ransacked" Minnesota.
The president told Congress to pass a law imposing additional ID requirements for Americans to vote, pushing his unprecedented and false claims that US elections suffer from "rampant" cheating.
The battle over the right to vote comes as Republicans are trying to avoid losing their narrow majority in the House of Representatives -- and potentially the Senate.
A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll published on Sunday showed Trump's approval rating at a lowly 39 percent. Only 41 percent approved of his handling of the economy overall, and just 32 percent on inflation.
He has been battered by a series of blows, most recently with the Supreme Court's striking down of his use of coercive trade tariffs against countries all over the world.
Trump, who earlier branded the court's justices "fools and lapdogs" over the tariff ruling, briefly shook hands with several of the justices in attendance but went on in his speech to declare their ruling "very unfortunate."
The billionaire has also been rocked by a backlash to the killing of two US citizens in immigration raids in Minneapolis and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
He did not mention the Epstein scandal in his speech.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia has failed to break Ukraine as the Kremlin marked four years since launching its invasion.

Zelensky says Ukraine unbroken after 4 years, but Russia vows to fight on

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia has failed to break Ukraine as the Kremlin marked four years since launching its invasion.

Vladimir Putin has not broken Ukraine, its leader Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday, as the Kremlin marked the fourth year of its invasion by vowing that it will keep fighting Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War II until it achieves its goals.
Moscow had hoped to take Kyiv in days when it launched its invasion on February 24, 2022.
Four years later -- with hundreds of thousands dead, millions forced to flee, much of eastern Ukraine destroyed and US-led peace talks still deadlocked over territory -- it conceded that it has not achieved all it wants in the country.
"The goals haven't been fully achieved yet, which is why the military operation continues," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in response to an AFP question.
Ukraine, meanwhile, was ready to do "everything" it could to secure peace, Zelensky said in a video address that featured images of Ukrainians carrying out acts of resistance against Russian soldiers in the opening days of the conflict.
But any settlement must not "betray" the price paid by Ukrainians throughout the conflict, he said.
"Putin has not achieved his goals. He did not break the Ukrainians. He did not win this war. We have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to achieve peace -- and to ensure there is justice," Zelensky said.
"We want peace. Strong, dignified, and lasting peace," he said, adding that any agreement "must not simply be signed, it must be accepted by Ukrainians".
"Everything Ukraine has gone through. It must not be surrendered, forgotten, or betrayed," he added.
In a later video address to the European Parliament, Zelensky urged Brussels to set out a clear timeline for his country's accession to the bloc.
Several European leaders including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited Kyiv on Tuesday to mark the anniversary.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen was also there, reaffirming that Europe stood "unwaveringly with Ukraine, financially, militarily, and through this harsh winter."
Zelensky was also hosting a videoconference with Kyiv's top allies, including Britain, France and Germany, to push for more support to deter the Russian invasion.
In the suburb of Irpin -- where the bodies of hundreds of civilians were discovered in 2022 after it and the neighbouring suburb of Bucha were occupied by Russian forces -- kindergarten manager Olena Ponomariova said Ukrainians had become united and more resilient.
But she "can't say" what victory would look like, she told AFP, adding: "I don't know if that will happen, but let's hope it will."
 - Territory dispute -
The United States has been pushing to end the conflict, mediating talks between the two sides this year in Geneva and Abu Dhabi, but they remain at odds over the issue of territory.
Russia, which occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine, is fighting to gain full control of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region as part of any deal.
It has threatened to take it by force if Kyiv does not cave at the negotiating table.
Ukraine has rejected the demand and said it would not sign a deal without security guarantees from allies -- including the US -- to deter Russia from invading again.
Despite heavy losses, Russian troops have in recent months advanced on the front line, particularly in the eastern Donbas region, which Moscow wants to annex.
The Russian army seized more territory during the fourth year of the Ukraine war than in the preceding two years combined, according to an AFP analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Since February 24, 2025 -- the third anniversary of Russia's invasion -- Moscow's troops have taken 4,524 square kilometres (1,747 square miles), an area slightly larger than the US state of Rhode Island.
That is according to data from the ISW, which works with the Critical Threats Project (part of the American Enterprise Institute, or AEI), another US think-tank specialising in conflict.
The grinding four-year war has devastated Ukraine, which even before the fighting was one of the poorest countries in Europe.
The cost of post-war reconstruction is estimated at around $588 billion over the next decade, according to a joint World Bank, EU and UN report with Kyiv, published on Monday.
Russia cast its decision to send troops into Ukraine as a defensive move to halt Ukraine's ambition to join NATO.
Ukraine, a former Soviet republic, considers the war to be a resurgence of Russian imperialism aimed at subjugating the Ukrainian people.

US President Donald Trump warned nations of higher import tariffs if they challenge trade decisions after the Supreme Court struck down his global tariff authority.

Trump threatens higher tariffs on countries after US Supreme Court blocks global duties

US President Donald Trump warned nations of higher import tariffs if they challenge trade decisions after the Supreme Court struck down his global tariff authority.

President Donald Trump threatened nations Monday with punishing hikes on import duties if they choose to "play games" after the US Supreme Court struck down his global tariffs last week.
"Any Country that wants to 'play games' with the ridiculous supreme court decision, especially those that have 'Ripped Off' the U.S.A. for years, and even decades, will be met with a much higher Tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to," Trump wrote on social media.
The high court's decision has dealt a sharp blow to Trump's economic agenda, of which tariffs -- and his ability to impose them rapidly -- have been a key feature.
For now, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has said that he expects partners to "stand by" the tariff deals they have struck with Washington.
After Supreme Court ruled against Trump's country-specific tariffs last week, saying he exceeded his authority in tapping emergency economic powers to impose them, the US leader turned to a separate law to announce new 15-percent duties on imports.
Trump insisted in a separate Truth Social post Monday that "as President, I do not have to go back to Congress to get approval of tariffs."
He also claimed that the court gave him "far more powers and strength" with its ruling, and that he could use "licenses to do absolutely 'terrible' things to foreign countries."

The Mexican army announced the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, following a military operation in Jalisco state. 

Mexican forces kill drug cartel leader ‘El Mencho’; violence erupts across states

The Mexican army announced the death of Nemesio &ldquo;El Mencho&rdquo; Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, following a military operation in Jalisco state.&nbsp;

The Mexican army announced Sunday that it had killed powerful drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera in an operation that sparked a wave of violence in various parts of the country.
Oseguera, the 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was wounded in a clash with soldiers in the town of Tapalpa, in Jalisco state, and died while being flown to Mexico City, the army said in a statement. He had a $15 million US bounty on his head.
Gunmen retaliating for the raid blocked more than 20 roads in western Jalisco state, burning cars and trucks. As violence spread across the country, at least eight states suspended in-person classes and the judiciary authorized judges to close courts where necessary.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizens to remain calm.
Oseguera, whose nickname was "El Mencho," is one of the biggest Mexican drug lords to be taken down since the capture of the founders of the Sinaloa cartel, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and Ismael Zambada. Both are now serving time in the United States.
Sunday's statement said that in addition to Mexico's own military intelligence, the raid was carried out with "complementary information" from US authorities.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington "provided intelligence support."
Six suspected cartel gunmen besides Oseguera were killed and three soldiers were wounded, the Mexican army said.
Two cartel suspects were arrested and a variety of weapons were seized, including rocket launchers capable of taking down airplanes and destroying armored vehicles, the statement said.
As gunmen blocked roads with retaliatory violence, Jalisco state, which is scheduled to host four World Cup games this summer, cancelled all events involving large crowds.
 - 'Great development for Mexico' -
The streets of the state capital Guadalajara were almost empty as stores, pharmacies and gas stations shut down.
Maria Medina, who works in a gas station that was set on fire, said men with guns showed up and told everyone to get out.
"I thought they were going to kidnap us. I ran to a taco stand to take cover with the people there," Medina told AFP.
The violence spread to the neighboring state of Michoacan, where Oseguera's cartel also has a presence, and to the resort city of Puerto Vallarta.
His cartel was formed in 2009 and became one of Mexico's most violent drug trafficking organizations, according to the US Justice Department.
Amid the violence, Guatemala said it was reinforcing "strategic" sections of its frontier with Mexico, which has seen cross-border incursions by criminal groups linked to cartels in recent months.
The United States has classified the Jalisco cartel as a terrorist organization and accuses it of sending cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed the operation and called Oseguera "one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins."
"This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world," he added.
The raid came amid pressure from US President Donald Trump for Mexico to stem the flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States.
Trump has threatened repeatedly to slap tariffs on Mexican exports, arguing that Sheinbaum has not done enough to combat the drug trade.
In a statement on social media released after Sunday's violence broke out, the US State Department urged US citizens in large parts of Mexico to "shelter in place until further notice."
Canada also issued a travel warning for some areas, citing "shootouts with security forces and explosions" in Jalisco, Guerrero and Michoacan states.
US and Canadian airlines cancelled dozens of flights to Mexico over the violence, with Air Canada saying cancellations to Puerto Vallarta would stretch into at least Monday.

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Foreign ministers of SCO member-states are meeting in Goa on May 4 and 5, 2023.

Watch: Pakistan minister's video message ahead of India trip for SCO meet

Foreign ministers of SCO member-states are meeting in Goa on May 4 and 5, 2023.

Pakistan's foreign minister released a video message ahead of his trip to India for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting.
Foreign ministers of SCO member-states are meeting in Goa on May 4 and 5, 2023.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, "My visit sends a message showing the importance that Pakistan gives to SCO, and how seriously we take our membership."

Israel has authorised its military to take additional strategic positions in Lebanon after Hezbollah attacked Israeli bases in support of Iran. The escalation follows fresh airstrikes in Beirut and redeployment of Lebanese troops along the border.

Israel orders troops to seize new positions in Lebanon

Israel has authorised its military to take additional strategic positions in Lebanon after Hezbollah attacked Israeli bases in support of Iran. The escalation follows fresh airstrikes in Beirut and redeployment of Lebanese troops along the border.

Israel on Tuesday ordered the military to take control of more positions in Lebanon, where the army pulled back some of its forces after Hezbollah attacked Israeli bases in support of its backer, Iran.
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorised the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to advance and take control of additional strategic positions in Lebanon in order to prevent attacks on Israeli border communities," Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.
In response, the Lebanese army has redeployed soldiers from several recently established border positions on Tuesday following the Israeli army's "escalation", a Lebanese military source told AFP.
The troops "numbering in total eight to nine soldiers at each point, were redeployed to their bases because of the danger to their safety", the Lebanese military said.
Lebanon was drawn into the regional war on Monday after an initial rocket attack on Israel by Hezbollah, which said it wanted to "avenge" the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the US-Israeli strikes.
Israel promptly responded with large-scale strikes on Lebanon, where the government on Monday declared an immediate ban on Hezbollah's military activities.
The Israeli military said on Monday it had killed the head of Hezbollah's intelligence services, Hussein Moukalled, in a strike in Beirut.
On Tuesday, it announced the killing of another senior militant it named as Reza Khazai in a strike in Beirut, saying he was responsible for overseeing Hezbollah's weapons build-up on behalf of Iran's elite Quds Force.
The military did not identify his nationality.
 - 'All options' -
Hezbollah said it targeted on Tuesday three Israeli military bases in response to the Israeli strikes on the group's strongholds.
Although Israel has maintained that it is not planning a full-scale ground invasion of Lebanon, the military has stated that "all options are on the table" to halt incoming rocket fire from Hezbollah.
On Tuesday, Katz declared that troops had been ordered to seize additional locations inside Lebanon, though the military described these steps as "tactical measures" rather than a ground invasion.
Israeli forces had previously entered Lebanon in September 2024 after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges initiated by Hezbollah in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas following the outbreak of the war in Gaza.
Tens of thousands of residents on both sides of the border had been evacuated as fighting between the two intensified.
The Israeli military has since said it did not plan to evacuate northern communities again, noting that it has reinforced troop deployments along the Lebanese border and strengthened air defences in the area.
Under a November 2024 truce, only UN peacekeepers and the Lebanese army may bear arms south of the Litani river, which runs around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli border.
Israel was supposed to withdraw all of its forces from Lebanon under a ceasefire agreed in November 2024 but has kept troops in five border areas it deems strategic, citing Hezbollah's refusal to surrender its own arms.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has conducted regular air strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.

Iran struck the US Embassy in Riyadh with drones as American and Israeli airstrikes intensified across Iran and Lebanon, raising fears of a prolonged regional war with mounting casualties and threats to global energy routes.

US Embassy in Saudi Arabia hit by Iranian drones as Israeli military ramps up operations in Lebanon

Iran struck the US Embassy in Riyadh with drones as American and Israeli airstrikes intensified across Iran and Lebanon, raising fears of a prolonged regional war with mounting casualties and threats to global energy routes.

Iran struck the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia's capital with a drone early Tuesday as it kept hitting targets around the region, while the United States and Israel pounded Iran with airstrikes in what US President Donald Trump suggested was just the start of a relentless campaign that could last more than a month.
The attack from two drones on the US Embassy in Riyadh caused a &ldquo;limited fire&rdquo; and minor damage, according to Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry, and the embassy urged Americans to avoid the compound. It followed an attack on the US Embassy in Kuwait, which announced Tuesday it had been closed until further notice.
The US State Department also ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family in Kuwait, as well as Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates as a precaution.
Across Iran's capital, explosions rang out throughout the night into the early morning, with witnesses describing hearing aircraft overhead. It was not immediately clear what had been hit.
And in Lebanon, Israel launched more strikes on Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia group. Explosions could be heard and smoke seen in a southern suburb of Beirut. Israel also said its soldiers are &ldquo;operating in southern Lebanon.&rdquo; Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said the Lebanese army was evacuating some of its positions along the border.
The conflict could have far-reaching consequences
The expansion of Iranian retaliation across the Gulf and the intensity of the Israeli and American attacks, the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the lack of any apparent exit plan portend a possibly prolonged conflict with far-reaching consequences.
Iran has hit many countries deemed safe havens in the Mideast in retaliation for the US and Israeli strikes. Recent targets include two Amazon data centers in the UAE and a drone impact near another in Bahrain that caused damage, the company said Tuesday.
Iran has also hit energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and attacked several ships Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil traded passes, sending global oil and natural gas prices soaring.
&ldquo;The Strait of Hormuz is closed," declared Iranian Brig. Gen. Ebrahim Jabbari, an adviser to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, threatening to set fire to any ships attempting to transit. &ldquo;Don't come to this region.&rdquo;
US citizens urged to leave
The US State Department urged US citizens to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries due to safety risks, as have many other countries, though with much of the airspace closed many remain stranded.
Trump said operations are likely to last four to five weeks but that he was prepared &ldquo;to go far longer than that.&rdquo; He later added that the US had a &ldquo;virtually unlimited supply&rdquo; of munitions and pre-positioned &ldquo;high grade weaponry.&rdquo; &ldquo;Wars can be fought forever,' and very successfully, using just these supplies,&rdquo; he wrote on social media.
Hundreds dead in Iran and dozens in Lebanon along with 11 in Israel
The Iranian Red Crescent Society said the US-Israeli operation has killed at least 787 people.
In Israel, where several locations were hit by Iranian missiles, 11 people were killed.
The semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported airstrikes killed 13 Iranian troops in Kerman, 800 kilometers (500 miles) southeast of Iran's capital, Tehran.
Israel's retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah killed 52 people in Lebanon.
&ldquo;Military escalation would force more families from their homes and hit civilians hard,&rdquo; said Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization on Migration, calling for the international community to press for de-escalation. &ldquo;Millions are already displaced in the region.&rdquo;
The US military has confirmed six deaths of American service members. All six were Army soldiers in a logistics unit in Kuwait, according to a US official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Three people were killed in the United Arab Emirates, and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain.
The chaos of the conflict became apparent when the US military said Kuwait had &ldquo;mistakenly shot down&rdquo; three American fighter jets while Iran was attacking it with aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones. US Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely.
Israel and US target nuclear facilities and missile infrastructure
Iranian state TV said strikes caused two explosions early Tuesday at a broadcasting facility in Tehran, but said no one was injured.
Reza Najafi, Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, told reporters that airstrikes targeted the Natanz nuclear enrichment site on Sunday.
&ldquo;Their justification that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons is simply a big lie,&rdquo; he said.
Israel and the US have not acknowledged strikes at the site, which the US bombed in the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June.
Israel has said it is targeting the &ldquo;leadership and nuclear infrastructure.&rdquo;
Trump said the military campaign's objectives are to destroy Iran's missile capabilities, wipe out its navy, prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure that it cannot continue to support allied groups like Lebanon's Hezbollah, which fired missiles at Israel on Monday.
Iran has said it has not enriched uranium since June, though it has maintained its right to do so and says its nuclear program is peaceful.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained, however, that Iran was rebuilding &ldquo;new sites, new places&rdquo; underground for making atomic bombs. He offered no evidence to support his claim.
&ldquo;We had to take the action now and we did,&rdquo; Netanyahu told Fox News Channel's Hannity.
Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press showed limited activity at two nuclear sites in Iran before the war. Analysts said Tehran was likely assessing damage from the 2025 US strikes and possibly salvaging what remained.
Attacks on Iran have drawn in proxy forces from around region
The conflict has also spread to Lebanon, where the Iranian-supported militant group Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel on Monday, prompting Israel to retaliate.
At least 52 people have been killed and 154 wounded, Lebanese authorities said.
Israel hit Beirut with more airstrikes early Tuesday, saying it was targeting &ldquo;Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities.&rdquo;
Hezbollah also said it launched drones targeting an Israeli air base. The Israeli military said it downed two drones.
An Iranian-linked militant in Iraq has also claimed strikes on US military facilities there.
The Israeli military said its troops operating in southern Lebanon were positioned at several points near the border in what it described as a &ldquo;forward defense posture.&rdquo; It said the deployment is part of a broader effort to increase security for residents in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon. It has also beefed up troops and air defenses in the area.
The army said there are no plans to evacuate Israeli residents of border areas.

Pakistan launched air strikes on major Afghan cities including Kabul, escalating border tensions as defence officials described the situation as “open war” following months of clashes.

Pakistan Declares Open War with Afghanistan Following Cross-Border Attack

Pakistan launched air strikes on major Afghan cities including Kabul, escalating border tensions as defence officials described the situation as &ldquo;open war&rdquo; following months of clashes.

Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan including the capital Kabul on Friday, with Islamabad's defence minister declaring the neighbours at "open war" following months of tit-for-tat clashes.
AFP journalists in Kabul and Kandahar heard blasts and jets overhead until dawn, as Pakistan launched air strikes on the Afghan capital and the southern power base of the Taliban authorities.
Pakistan's latest operation came after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops on Thursday night over earlier air strikes by Islamabad.
Relations between the neighbours have plunged in recent months, with land border crossings largely shut since deadly fighting in October that killed more than 70 people on both sides.
Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of failing to act against militant groups that carry out attacks in Pakistan, which the Taliban government denies.
Most of the attacks have been claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has stepped up assaults in Pakistan since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021.
"Afghan Taliban defence targets were targeted in Kabul, Paktia (province) and Kandahar," Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar posted on X, while defence minister Khawaja Asif declared an "all-out confrontation" with the Taliban government.
"Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you," he posted on the social media platform.
 - Delicate ceasefire broken -
The overnight strikes mark a "significant and dangerous escalation from earlier clashes", South Asia expert Michael Kugelman said on X.
"Pakistan appears to have expanded its targeting beyond TTP to the Taliban regime itself," he said.
Several rounds of negotiations between Islamabad and Kabul followed an initial ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, but the efforts have failed to produce a lasting agreement.
After repeated breaches of the initial truce, Saudi Arabia intervened this month, mediating the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan in October.
Saudi's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, spoke on Friday with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, according to a statement published by Riyadh.
And Iran, which shares an eastern border with Afghanistan and Pakistan, on Friday offered to help "facilitate dialogue" to resolve the conflict.
Both Afghan and Pakistani militaries said they killed dozens of soldiers in the latest round of border violence, which followed multiple strikes by Islamabad on Afghanistan and clashes along the frontier in recent months.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country's armed forces can "have the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions".
 - Jets overhead -
In the Afghan capital AFP journalists heard jets and multiple loud blasts, followed by gunfire, over a period of several hours.
An AFP reporter in Afghanistan's southern city of Kandahar, where Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is based, said he heard jets overhead.
Streets in Kabul were quiet after daybreak, in keeping with a Friday during Ramadan in the Muslim-majority nation.
The Taliban authorities had not notably increased the presence of security forces nor checkpoints, AFP journalists across the city said.
The Taliban government confirmed the Pakistani air strikes, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying there were no casualties.
Hours earlier, Mujahid announced "large-scale offensive operations" at the border "in response to repeated violations by the Pakistani military".
The Afghan defence ministry reported eight of its soldiers had been killed in the land offensive.
An Afghan official reported multiple civilians wounded near the Torkham border crossing, at a camp for people returning from Pakistan.
"A mortar shell has hit the camp and unfortunately seven of our refugees have been wounded, and the condition of one woman is serious," said Qureshi Badlun, the information chief in Nangarhar province.
While the border has largely been closed since October, Afghan returnees have been allowed to cross.
 - Months of border violence -
Mujahid, the Taliban government spokesman, told AFP that several Pakistani soldiers had been "caught alive", a claim denied by the prime minister's office in Islamabad.
The military operation follows Pakistani strikes on Nangarhar and Paktika provinces overnight into Sunday, which the UN mission in Afghanistan said killed at least 13 civilians.
Both sides also reported cross-border fire on Tuesday, but without casualties.
Besides military operations, there has been a series of deadly suicide blasts in Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent months.
They included an attack on a Shiite mosque in Islamabad that killed at least 40 people and was claimed by the Islamic State group.
The militant group's regional chapter, Islamic State-Khorasan, also claimed a deadly suicide bombing at a restaurant in Kabul last month.

India and Israel upgraded their ties to a special strategic partnership after talks between PM Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu, signing multiple agreements in trade, defence and technology.

India & Israel elevate ties, vow to soon conclude free trade deal; UPI rollout agreed

India and Israel upgraded their ties to a special strategic partnership after talks between PM Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu, signing multiple agreements in trade, defence and technology.

India and Israel on Thursday elevated their "time-tested" relationship to a special strategic partnership and agreed to fast-track a long-awaited free trade deal even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi backed the Gaza peace initiative, asserting that humanity must never become a victim of conflict.
In his media statement after holding wide-ranging talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said India's security interests are directly linked to peace and stability in the Middle East and that New Delhi has been pitching for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Gaza.
Following the meeting between the two prime ministers, India and Israel inked a total of 17 agreements and documents that will provide for deeper cooperation in artificial intelligence, trade, investment, education, manufacturing, culture, maritime heritage, agriculture and a plethora of other areas.
The two sides also vowed to expand their already close defence partnership by working towards joint development and joint production of military hardware under the framework of the transfer of technologies.
The US-Iran standoff and other issues in the region figured in the talks and PM Modi mentioned India's firm belief in the value of dialogue and reiterated New Delhi's readiness to offer support, if required, toward achieving a peaceful solution, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
In his media statement, PM Modi elaborated on the upward trajectory of India-Israel ties and said the relationship is built on a strong foundation of deep trust, shared democratic values, and human compassion.
"Our relationship has stood the test of time. Today, we took the historic decision to elevate our time-tested partnership to 'Special Strategic Partnership. This decision reflects the aspirations of the people of both countries," he said.
The relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2017.
"Our economic cooperation remains an engine of growth, innovation, and shared prosperity. Last year, we signed a bilateral investment agreement to promote mutual investment. We will also soon finalise a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA)," Modi said.
The prime minister also talked about the joint resolve of India and Israel in combating terrorism.
"India and Israel are absolutely clear that terrorism has no place in the world. Terrorism, in any form, in any manifestation, cannot be tolerated," Modi, who landed in Israel on Wednesday on a two-day visit, said.
"We have stood shoulder to shoulder against terrorism and its supporters, and will continue to do so."
The prime minister noted that India's security interests are directly linked to peace and stability in West Asia.
"Therefore, we have supported dialogue and a peaceful solution from the very beginning. This is the call of the Global South and all humanity," he said.
"India's thinking is clear: humanity must never become a victim of conflict. The Gaza Peace Plan has opened a path to peace. India has fully supported these efforts. We will continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries in the future," he said.
The prime minister also made a mention of the resolve by the two sides to forge a partnership in the area of critical and emerging technologies.
"Technology is central to our future partnership. Today, we decided to establish a critical and emerging technologies partnership. This will give new impetus to cooperation in areas such as AI, quantum, and critical minerals," he said.
"I am pleased that an agreement has been reached for the use of UPI (Unified Payment Interface) in Israel. We are also committed to improving people's lives by sharing our experiences in the field of digital health," he said.
Modi also touched upon the defence ties between the two sides.
"We have decades-old and trusted cooperation in the defence sector. The MoU signed last year will add new dimensions to this. Together, we will move forward towards joint development, joint production, and transfer of technology," he said.
The prime minister said both sides will also advance cooperation in areas of civil nuclear energy and space.
Modi, referring to robust engagement between the two countries in the agriculture sector, said it has been decided to give this cooperation a futuristic direction.
"The Centres of Excellence established in India with Israeli cooperation are excellent examples of our friendship. Given their success, we have set a goal of increasing their number to 100," he said.
The existing Centres of Excellence offer new technology for agricultural production.
"Taking a step further in this direction, we are working on creating Villages of Excellence. This will bring Israeli technology to every village in India, significantly increasing the income and productivity of millions of farmers," Modi said.
At a media briefing, Foreign Secretary Misri, responding to a question on New Delhi's position on the Palestine issue, said India backs the US-endorsed Gaza Peace Initiative and referred to PM Modi's remarks on it in his address to Israel's Knesset on Wednesday.
"We firmly believe that it (the Gaza Peace Initiative) holds the promise of a just, durable and lasting peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestinian question," the foreign secretary said.
"This is something that was made amply clear by the prime minister in his address to the Knesset yesterday where he framed this issue very comprehensively," he said.
Misri, referring to Modi's remarks, said this is not the time to lose hope, and it is the time sustain the hope.
In the meeting, India and Israel also discussed the implementation of the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and cooperation under the framework of I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA).
"We had a comprehensive discussion on regional and global issues. While promoting regional connectivity, we will move forward with renewed momentum on the India-Middle-East-Europe-Economic-Corridor and the India-Israel-UAE-the US (I2U2) framework," Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the cast and creators of Israeli series Fauda in Jerusalem during his visit and shared a selfie with the team on X.

PM Modi meets 'Fauda' team in Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the cast and creators of Israeli series Fauda in Jerusalem during his visit and shared a selfie with the team on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met the cast and crew of hit Israeli espionage show "Fauda" in Jerusalem and shared a selfie on social media.
Modi, who arrived in Israel on Wednesday on a two-day visit to the country, shared the photo with the "Fauda" team on X.&nbsp;
"Thankfully, this interaction required only a selfie, no undercover work! #Fauda" the prime minister wrote.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thankfully, this interaction required only a selfie, no undercover work! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fauda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fauda</a> <a href="https://t.co/u1tqG3RztB">pic.twitter.com/u1tqG3RztB</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2027002038044017057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The photo featured PM Modi along with "Fauda" creators Lior Raz, Avi Issacharoff, actors Laetitia Eido, Doron Ben-David and others.
"Fauda" is an action thriller series and follows Doron Kavillio, played by Raz, an undercover Israeli operative who pursues high-value targets in the West Bank and Gaza. The show started in 2015, debuting on Israeli network Yes Oh and became a global phenomenon after it began streaming on Netflix.
It is PM Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during his first visit to that country in July 2017.

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