Netanyahu invites Modi to light Independence Day torch with hero pilot Smit Machchhar

By Anjali Sharma
WASHINTON – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light the torch alongside with hero Indian pilot captain Smit Machchhar on Israel’s Independence Day.

Netanyahu said on X “I 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 his Israeli counterpart for the invitation.

He also said that India and Israel are fighting terrorism together both on land and in the air.

The Indian captain pilot, Machchhar, was attacked by his co-pilot onboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv in an alleged attempt to crash the aircraft full of passengers.

Machchhar was critically injured after taking the brunt of the an axe attack by the co-pilot, but managed to open the cockpit door so crew and passengers could overpower the attacker.

Two reserve pilots, who travelling in civilian clothes, then took control of the cockpit and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk.

PMO readout in New Delhi said PM Modi received a telephone call today from Israel PM Netanyahu.

Both leaders welcomed the sustained momentum in India-Israel relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

They also exchanged views on the recent developments in West Asia and underscored the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region.

Modi reiterated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward, media reported