Jerusalem, October 23 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, to participate in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations by lighting a ceremonial torch alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar.
Netanyahu announced the invitation on Thursday following a telephone conversation with Modi, highlighting the longstanding relationship between India and Israel.
In a post on X, Netanyahu said he had spoken with his “friend” Modi and invited him to light a torch alongside the Indian pilot in recognition of his courage.
According to Netanyahu, Modi thanked him for the invitation and appreciated the strong, longstanding ties between the two countries. The Israeli Prime Minister also quoted Modi as saying that India and Israel were working together against terrorism.
Modi visited Israel in February this year, marking his second visit to the country in nine years. During his first visit in July 2017, India and Israel elevated their bilateral relationship to the level of a strategic partnership.
The invitation to Modi comes after Israeli President Isaac Herzog invited pilot Smit Machchhar to Israel earlier this month to honour him with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.
Machchhar was injured on September 30 while attempting to stop his co-pilot from allegedly trying to hijack Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers on board.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot and prevent a potential disaster.
The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, and all passengers subsequently reached Israel safely.
Machchhar, who has been praised by both Modi and Netanyahu for his bravery, is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates.
The invitation underscores the continuing diplomatic engagement between India and Israel and their cooperation on security-related issues.
