Israeli PM Netanyahu speaks to PM Modi, other world leaders
Jerusalem, Jun 13 (PTI): In a diplomatic push to garner international support for Israel's attacks against Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, among many other world leaders, his office said on Friday.
Beginning last night, Netanyahu has held conversations with world leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Indian Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Minister's Office said in a brief statement.
He is due to speak with US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, it added.
"The leaders showed understanding for Israel's defence needs in the face of the Iranian threat of annihilation; the Prime Minister said that he would continue to be in contact with them in the coming days," it added.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also reached out to his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar.
"So far today, I have already spoken with the foreign ministers of India, Germany, France, Italy, Hungary, Paraguay, Panama, Cyprus and the European Union," a statement from the Israeli foreign ministry quoted him as saying.
"In recent hours, I have been focusing on calls with foreign ministers from around the world, in which I have detailed the Cabinet decision and its reasons and the IDF's activities," he said.
"This is in parallel with instructing Foreign Ministry officials, Israeli ambassadors and representatives around the world, on aspects related to our Hasbarah (diplomacy and public diplomacy) activities," he added.
India on Friday said it is "deeply concerned" over the recent developments between Iran and Israel and "closely monitoring" the evolving situation.
New Delhi urged both countries to avoid any escalatory steps.
According to international media reports, Israel has carried out strikes at various places in Iran, targeting nuclear and missile sites, and top military officers.
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Leadership tussle: High command has not called me to Delhi, says Siddaramaiah
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said he has not been called by the Congress high command to New Delhi, over the leadership issue.
There have been speculations that Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar will be called to the national capital, after the ongoing winter session of the state legislature, to discuss, amid the power tussle within the ruling Congress over the CM post.
"No one has called, unnecessarily you are asking. Have they (high command) told you? Then why are you unnecessarily asking whether the high command has called me on December 19?" Siddaramaiah told reporters in response to a question.
ALSO READ: Shivakumar will become CM after ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature: Cong MLA
There were speculations about a change in chief minister when the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, as it was believed that there was a powersharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar after the grand old party won the Assembly election in 2023.
As the government crossed this crucial date, activities intensified in Congress, and both the CM and the Deputy CM met over breakfast at each other's residences, on the instructions of the high command. This was seen as a move to pause the leadership tussle between the two and to signal Siddaramaiah's continuation as the CM for the time being, especially ahead of the Belagavi legislature session.
