PM Modi Thanks Netanyahu, Macron for Independence Day Wishes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, French President Emmanuel Macron, Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay for their greetings on India's 78th Independence Day. NDTV reports that Mr Modi told Mr Netanyahu, "We deeply value our friendship with Israel."

The exchange reinforces the close ties between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, a relationship that has grown under Mr Modi's leadership. Mr Netanyahu's message was among the first to arrive from a foreign leader. Mr Modi's gratitude to the French and Himalayan leaders also highlights India's broader diplomatic outreach on its national day.