JERUSALEM, Oct 22: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday invited his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to participate in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations by lighting a ceremonial torch alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who is being recognised for his courage in preventing a potential aviation disaster.
In a post on X, Netanyahu said he had spoken with Modi and extended the invitation. He also noted that the Indian prime minister appreciated the longstanding friendship and strong strategic ties between the two countries.
“I spoke with my friend, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and invited him to light a torch alongside a brave Indian pilot on Israel’s Independence Day,” Netanyahu wrote.
He added that Modi thanked him for the invitation and emphasised the shared commitment of India and Israel to combating terrorism.
The invitation comes amid growing cooperation between the two countries in areas including security, defence and counterterrorism. India-Israel relations were elevated to the level of a strategic partnership during Modi’s first visit to Israel in July 2017. He visited the country again in February this year.
Machchhar has received international attention for his actions during an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to seize control of a flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Earlier this month, Israeli President Isaac Herzog invited the Indian pilot to Israel to honour him with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism in recognition of his actions during the September 30 incident.
Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 carrying 174 passengers, was en route to Tel Aviv when the alleged confrontation occurred inside the cockpit. Machchhar sustained injuries while attempting to stop his co-pilot, who was accused of trying to hijack the aircraft.
Despite being seriously injured, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot and prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome.
The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The passengers later reached Israel safely.
Modi and Netanyahu have praised Machchhar for his courage, describing his actions as an example of exceptional bravery under dangerous circumstances.
The pilot is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates.
Netanyahu’s invitation adds another dimension to the recognition being extended to Machchhar, whose actions during the emergency have drawn appreciation from leaders in both India and Israel.