Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 22: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations and light a ceremonial torch alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was hailed for allegedly preventing a major aviation tragedy in September.
Netanyahu said he had spoken with Modi over the phone and extended the invitation. “I spoke with my friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and invited him to light the torch alongside a brave Indian pilot on Israel’s Independence Day,” he said. Netanyahu added that Modi thanked him for the invitation.
Israel celebrates its Independence Day, known as Yom Ha’atzmaut, on May 14, marking the anniversary of the declaration of independence in 1948.
Machchhar, a Flydubai captain, came into the spotlight following an alleged cockpit confrontation on September 30, 2026, aboard flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports, Machchhar was attacked by his Omani co-pilot after intervening to prevent an alleged attempt to crash the aircraft. Netanyahu subsequently spoke to the Indian pilot by phone and described him as a “hero of the entire world”.
During Thursday’s conversation, Netanyahu also praised the strong and longstanding relationship between India and Israel. He said Modi had expressed solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
In a post on X, Modi confirmed the conversation and said the two leaders reviewed the momentum in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership.
“Received a phone call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We reviewed the sustained momentum in our bilateral ties and reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening our partnership,” Modi wrote.
The Indian prime minister said they also exchanged views on the latest developments in West Asia and stressed the need to restore peace and stability in the region.
The conversation took place amid continuing tensions and conflicts across West Asia, including the situations in Gaza, Iran and Saudi Arabia. The developments have raised concerns over regional security and the wider impact on stability.
Modi visited Israel on February 25 and 26, during which the two countries agreed to elevate their relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity”. The visit marked a further step in strengthening cooperation between the two countries across strategic and other areas.
During the visit, Modi had underlined that India’s security interests were closely linked to peace and stability in the Middle East. He also expressed India’s support for the Gaza Peace Initiative. The two leaders have continued to maintain contact amid developments involving Israel, Iran and the wider region.