Netanyahu Invites PM Modi; Captain Smit Machchhar To Light Israel Independence Day Torch

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with PM Narendra Modi on Thursday. He invited PM Modi and Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations.

The two leaders reviewed the momentum in India-Israel relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

They exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and stressed the urgent need to restore peace and stability.

PM Modi said he received a phone call from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and reviewed bilateral ties, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the partnership.

They also discussed recent developments in West Asia and stressed the urgent need to restore peace and stability.

Netanyahu said PM Modi thanked him for the invitation and expressed India’s readiness to work with Israel against terrorism.

In a post on X, the Israeli leader said the two countries fought terrorism together on the ground and in the air.

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

Captain Machchhar sustained severe injuries during an alleged attack by an Omani co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on September 30.

The co-pilot allegedly attempted to seize control of the aircraft, but Machchhar fought him off and unlocked the cockpit door.

The move allowed crew members and passengers to enter the cockpit and restrain the attacker, averting a potential disaster involving more than 170 people.

On October 3, Netanyahu called Machchhar a ‘true hero’ and invited him and PM Modi to Israel’s Independence Day.

Netanyahu said the honour usually went to Israeli citizens but expressed confidence that Israelis would welcome Machchhar. He praised the pilot’s courage and composure under extreme pressure, saying his actions had saved lives and inspired people worldwide.

Netanyahu called the proposed visit ‘memorable and historic’ and wished Machchhar a speedy recovery.

Also Read: India ITME 2026 Announces Global Textile Exhibition; Visitor Benefits