Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to jointly light a torch on Israel’s Independence Day, as the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and the situation in West Asia.
Modi and Netanyahu spoke over the phone on Thursday, October 22, 2026, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders welcomed the continued momentum in bilateral relations and exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia.
They also underlined the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region.
During the conversation, Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward for resolving regional tensions.
Netanyahu Invites Modi and Indian Pilot
Announcing the invitation in a post on X, Netanyahu said he had asked Modi to join him in lighting a torch alongside Machchhar on Israel’s Independence Day.
“I spoke with my friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and invited him to light a torch together with the heroic Indian pilot on the Independence Day of the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.
He added that Modi thanked him for the invitation and spoke about the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
According to Netanyahu, Modi said that India and Israel fight terrorism together, both on the ground and in the air.
The invitation comes amid growing attention around Machchhar, who has been praised for his actions during an incident involving a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Indian Pilot Praised for Courage
Machchhar was seriously injured on September 30 while attempting to stop his co-pilot from allegedly trying to hijack flydubai flight FZ1073.
The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers when the incident occurred.
According to reports, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the co-pilot.
The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Passengers later reached Israel safely.
Machchhar has received praise from Indian and Israeli leaders for his actions. Israeli President Isaac Herzog had also invited him to Israel to honour him with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.
The pilot is undergoing treatment at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates, according to reports.
India and Israel Reaffirm Strategic Ties
The phone conversation comes as India and Israel continue to strengthen their strategic relationship, which was elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership during Modi’s visit to Israel in July 2017.
Modi visited Israel again in February 2026.
