Safety of civilians priority: PM Modi dials Israel's Netanyahu, urges 'early cessation of hostilities' amid West Asia turmoil

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated the need for "an early cessation of hostilities," as the West Asia conflict escalated on its second day.

In a social media post on Monday, Modi informed the discussion pointers that took place amid the backdrop of Netanyahu's offensive on Iran, and now across Lebanon.

"Had a telephone call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. Conveyed India's concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities," the post read.

On Sunday, Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the highest decision-making body on security and strategic matters of the country. The meeting was gathered to hold dialogue on the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, and to take stock of the situation after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader.

PTI reported quoting unnamed sources, the meeting also discussed the safety of Indian nationals living in West Asia, those who are stranded, and how to deal with the situation if it deteriorates.

US ​President Donald Trump suggested the conflict with Iran could go on ⁠for the next four weeks, or less, a quote by The Daily Mail said.

"It's always been a four-week process. We figured it will be four ​weeks or ⁠so. It's always been about a four-week process so - as strong as ⁠it ‌is, it's a big country, it'll take ‌four weeks - or less," Trump said.

Earlier that day, the US President said that talks with Iran's new leadership could resume, saying that they should have "done it sooner," and that Iran "waited too long."

"They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it ​sooner. They ⁠should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long," Trump said in an interview with the Atlantic magazine.

On Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu promised to deliver a "decisive blow" to Iran, informing that he has given instructions to his forces to continue to escalate their offensive over Tehran, as reported by PTI.