PM Modi Speaks To Netanyahu On Bilateral Ties; Israeli PM Invites PM Modi, Pilot Smit Machchhar To Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, reviewing bilateral relations and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the India-Israel partnership.

In a post on X, PM Modi said the two leaders discussed the sustained momentum in bilateral ties and exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia. He added that they underscored the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region.

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.

We also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and underscored the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region.

@netanyahu

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2026

In a separate post on X, Netanyahu said he had spoken with his ‘friend’, PM Modi. He invited PM Modi to light a torch alongside a brave Indian pilot during Israel’s Independence Day celebrations.

Netanyahu said PM Modi had thanked him for the invitation and highlighted the joint commitment of India and Israel to fighting terrorism on land and in the air. He further noted the strength of the two countries’ decades-old relationship.

मैंने अपने मित्र, भारत के प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी से बात की और उन्हें इज़राइल के स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर वीर भारतीय पायलट के साथ मशाल प्रज्वलित करने के लिए आमंत्रित किया।

मोदी ने निमंत्रण के लिए मुझे धन्यवाद दिया और कहा कि ज़मीन पर और हवा में, भारत और इज़राइल आतंकवाद के ख़िलाफ़ मिलकर लड़ रहे हैं। उन्होंने हमारे बीच के मज़बूत और वर्षों पुराने संबंधों की भी सराहना की। 🇮🇱🇮🇳

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 22, 2026

The invitation follows an incident involving Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar. He sustained severe injuries during an alleged attack by an Omani co-pilot.

The incident occurred aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on September 30.

According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attempted to seize control of the aircraft. Machchhar fought him off and unlocked the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to enter and restrain the attacker.

The intervention reportedly averted a potential disaster involving more than 170 people.

On October 3, Netanyahu called Machchhar a ‘true hero’ and invited him to attend Israel’s Independence Day celebrations alongside PM Modi. He praised the pilot’s courage and composure under extreme pressure, saying his actions had saved lives and inspired people worldwide.

Netanyahu described the proposed visit as ‘memorable and historic’ and wished Machchhar a speedy recovery. He said the honour traditionally goes to Israeli citizens but expressed confidence that Israelis would welcome the Indian pilot.

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