Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a high-level telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, extending an invitation to him to jointly light the ceremonial torch during Israel’s upcoming Independence Day celebrations (Yom Ha’atzmaut).
The ceremonial torch-lighting—traditionally reserved for Israeli nationals—will also honor Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot credited with thwarting an onboard cockpit attack on a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv in September.
During their discussion, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu reviewed the sustained momentum in India-Israel bilateral relations, reaffirming their mutual commitment to advancing their Special Strategic Partnership.
The two leaders exchanged perspectives on the volatile security landscape in West Asia, with PM Modi reiterating India’s call for dialogue, diplomacy, and the urgent restoration of regional peace and stability. Highlighting Captain Machchhar’s extraordinary presence of mind in saving hundreds of lives on board, Netanyahu praised India’s steadfast stance against terrorism and hailed the decades-old bond between the two nations.
