Netanyahu Dials PM Modi to Light Torch with Hero Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar

• by Akanksha Mishra
• 2026-10-23 15:33:00

In a significant diplomatic gesture reaffirming the strategic depth between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out telephonically to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend a rare, high-profile invitation. Netanyahu invited the Indian Prime Minister to join Israel’s national Independence Day celebrations and participate in the prestigious torch-lighting ceremony alongside Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian commercial pilot hailed globally for thwarting a catastrophic mid-air hijacking and sabotage attempt on an Israel-bound flight. During their comprehensive discussion, both leaders reviewed the robust momentum of the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership, emphasized deep bilateral counterterrorism synergy across land and air, and analyzed ongoing security dynamics in West Asia, with India reiterating its steadfast call for diplomatic resolution and lasting regional peace.

Standing Together Against Terror: Modi and Netanyahu Reaffirm Defense Alliance

The high-level telephonic exchange underscored the expanding strategic and counterterrorism cooperation binding both nations:

Joint Fight Across Domains: Benjamin Netanyahu shared on social media platform X that PM Modi welcomed the ceremonial invite, emphasizing that both nations are actively united in combating terror on land and in the skies while commending decades-old historical bonds.

Reviewing Strategic Momentum: Prime Minister Modi confirmed receiving the call from his Israeli counterpart, noting that both sides reviewed bilateral progress and reaffirmed their shared dedication toward deepening the multi-sectoral Special Strategic Partnership.

Advocating Peace in West Asia: Amid volatile geopolitical developments across the Middle East, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated that PM Modi reiterated India's consistent foreign policy stance urging swift de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy as the indispensable pathways to restore regional stability.

Building on State Engagements: The conversation builds upon PM Modi’s landmark state visit to Israel from February 25 to 26, where the bilateral framework was elevated to 'A Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity', alongside consistent diplomatic dialogue during previous regional confrontations involving the US and Iran.

Who Is Captain Smit Machchhar? Netanyahu Hails Indian Pilot as 'Hero of the World'

The joint invitation to the national dais brings international attention back to the harrowing cockpit incident aboard an international carrier:

Foiling a Deadly Crash Plot: Captain Smit Machchhar was piloting flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his co-pilot launched a violent inside-cockpit assault, allegedly attempting to deliberately crash the aircraft carrying dozens of passengers.

Sustaining Injuries to Save Lives: Despite being ambushed and severely wounded during the altercation, Captain Machchhar successfully overpowered the assailant, regained control of the aircraft's flight deck systems, and safely executed a critical landing in Tel Aviv.

Direct Praise from Tel Aviv: Earlier this month, Netanyahu personally telephoned Captain Machchhar, publicly celebrating the Indian pilot as a "hero of the entire world" whose extraordinary bravery and composure averted mass casualties in Israeli airspace.

The Symbolic Independence Day Torch Lighting: What Makes the Event Monumental

Inviting a foreign head of government to participate in the ceremonial lighting represents a major protocol departure and symbolic tribute:

Highest Civic Recognition: The Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony (Hadlakat Masuot) on Mount Herzl is Israel’s central state ritual, traditionally reserved for national pioneers, fallen heroes, and exceptional contributors to national security.

Honoring Indian Bravery on Global Stage: Sharing the torch between PM Modi and Captain Smit Machchhar symbolically merges official diplomatic goodwill with grassroots heroism, honoring Indian valor in front of a global television audience.

Reinforcing Maritime and Aerial Security: The gesture cements the close coordination between Indian and Israeli aviation security agencies and intelligence wings, highlighting operational trust in navigating complex cross-border threats.

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