India, March 2 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East following joint military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran.

"Had a telephone call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation," Modi said in a post on X after the call.

He added that India conveyed its concerns over the recent developments and stressed that the safety of civilians must remain a top priority. "India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities," the Prime Minister said.

A day earlier, Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, strongly condemning the r...