Politics

Netanyahu invites PM Modi to light Israel’s Independence Day torch with Indian pilot Smit Machchhar

PM Modi and Netanyahu reaffirm the India-Israel partnership and discuss West Asia. See the key takeaways from the call

October 22, 2026

A ceremonial torch, a brave pilot and a phone call: how the invitation came about

PM Modi Thanks Netanyahu for Invitation as Leaders Call for Peace in West Asia

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a ceremonial torch alongside Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on Israel’s Independence Day. The invitation came during a phone call between the two leaders on Thursday.

The invitation

Announcing it on X, Netanyahu said he had spoken with his “friend,” the Indian Prime Minister, and invited him to light the torch “together with a brave Indian pilot.” Modi thanked him for the invitation, according to reports.

Lighting a ceremonial torch is a traditional honour at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations. Netanyahu had first announced his invitation to Machchhar earlier this month, describing him as a hero of India, Israel and the wider world.

The pilot behind the invitation

Machchhar was hailed for his courage after being seriously injured in a violent cockpit incident aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight. Reports say that despite his injuries, he made a final attempt to open the cockpit door after noticing the aircraft’s rapid descent. The incident is under investigation by the relevant authorities.

What Modi and Netanyahu discussed

In a post on X, Modi said he received a call from Netanyahu and that the two reviewed the sustained momentum in bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the partnership. They also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and underlined the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region.

An Indian readout said PM Modi reiterated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. Both leaders welcomed the progress in relations and recommitted to deepening the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Netanyahu also highlighted the strong counterterrorism partnership between India and Israel.

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