Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations by lighting a torch alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar. The invitation highlights the close diplomatic relationship between India and Israel and recognises the pilot’s courage during an onboard emergency.
In a post on X, Netanyahu said he had spoken with Modi and invited him to take part in the ceremony. He also noted that the Indian prime minister appreciated the strong and longstanding ties between the two countries.
According to Netanyahu, Modi thanked him for the invitation and emphasised the cooperation between India and Israel in combating terrorism. The exchange underscored the importance both leaders attach to bilateral relations and security cooperation.
Machchhar came into the spotlight following a violent incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The pilot was reportedly stabbed and seriously injured by his co-pilot while the aircraft was in flight.
The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the attacker. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar’s actions drew praise from both Modi and Netanyahu, who commended his courage during the incident. He is undergoing treatment at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates.
The proposed torch-lighting ceremony would place the Indian pilot alongside the two countries’ broader diplomatic engagement, linking his actions during the emergency with the recognition announced by the Israeli prime minister.
India and Israel maintain cooperation across several areas, including defence, security, technology, agriculture and trade. Counterterrorism has also remained an important component of their bilateral engagement.
The invitation comes amid continued emphasis on the strategic partnership between the two countries. While the proposed participation in Israel’s Independence Day ceremony remains a diplomatic gesture, the exchange between the leaders highlights their stated commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties and expanding cooperation on shared security concerns.
