UK PM Rishi Sunak, Modi discuss Israel-Hamas conflict, bilateral ties

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak had a telephone conversation on Friday as they discussed developments in West Asia and the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and expressed deep concern about terrorism, the worsening security situation, and the loss of civilian lives.

"Both leaders expressed deep concern about terrorism, the worsening security situation, and the loss of civilian lives. They agreed on the need for regional peace, security, stability, and continued humanitarian assistance," the PMO said in a statement.

Modi congratulated Sunak on the successful completion of one year in office and they welcomed progress being made for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, according to the statement.

In a post on X, Modi said, "Earlier this evening, spoke to UK PM Rishi Sunak. Discussed means to strengthen bilateral relations and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. We agree that there is no place for terror and violence."

He added, "Death of civilians is a serious concern. Need to work towards regional peace, security, stability and



continued humanitarian assistance."

Earlier this evening, spoke to UK PM @RishiSunak. Discussed means to strengthen bilateral relations and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. We agree that there is no place for terror and violence. Death of civilians is a serious concern. Need to work towards regional…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 3, 2023

The statement said the two leaders reiterated their commitment to continuing to strengthen bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, including in the areas of trade, investment, emerging technology, defence, security, health and others, officials said.

The leaders agreed to remain in touch and exchanged greetings for the festive occasion of Diwali, it added.

In an interview to PTI in early September, Sunak had said there was "still some way to go" for a free trade pact with India to be finalised, but appeared confident that the final outcome would be a "forward-looking" and "modern" deal that would benefit both sides and facilitate shared ambition of doubling trade by 2030.