Netanyahu invites Modi, Smit Machchhar to Israel’s I Day celebrations
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Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a torch alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar during Israel’s Independence Day celebrations, highlighting the countries’ growing strategic partnership.
In a post on X, Netanyahu said Modi had welcomed the invitation and emphasised their shared fight against terrorism. He also noted the Indian leader’s appreciation of the longstanding bilateral relationship.
“Spoke with my friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and invited him to light the torch alongside a brave Indian pilot on Israel’s Independence Day. Modi thanked me for the invitation and said that on land and in the air, India and Israel are fighting terrorism together. He also commended the strong and decades-old ties between us,” Netanyahu wrote.
The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Special Strategic Partnership. They also discussed developments in West Asia, with Modi reiterating India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy to restore regional peace and stability.
Machchhar was recently praised by Netanyahu as a global hero after allegedly foiling his co-pilot’s attempt to crash a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The pilot was seriously injured during the cockpit attack last month.
Modi visited Israel in February, when both countries elevated their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity.