Netanyahu invites PM Modi to join Capt Smith Machhar for Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony
During their talks, the two leaders reviewed the ongoing momentum in India-Israel bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries
Jerusalem (The Uttam Hindu): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by phone on Thursday. During the call, he invited PM Modi to light the torch on Israel's Independence Day, along with Indian pilot Captain Smit Machhar. Netanyahu described Captain Smit Machhar as "India's brave pilot."
During their talks, the two leaders reviewed the ongoing momentum in India-Israel bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries. They also discussed recent developments in West Asia and stressed the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region.
"I received a call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We reviewed the ongoing momentum in our bilateral relations and reiterated our commitment to further strengthen the partnership. We also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and stressed the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on the social media platform X.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu wrote on Twitter that he spoke with his friend and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to light the torch with the heroic Indian pilot on Israel's Independence Day. He said Modi thanked him for the invitation and noted that India and Israel fight terrorism together, both on land and in the air. He also praised the courageous and long-standing relationship between the two countries.
Captain Smit Machhar was seriously injured when an Omani co-pilot attacked him on a FlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv on September 30. The co-pilot allegedly attempted to seize control of the plane. Captain Machhar fought him off and managed to open the cockpit door.
This allowed the other crew members and passengers to enter the cockpit and subdue the attacker, averting a major disaster. More than 170 people were on board the plane.
Earlier, on October 3rd, Netanyahu spoke with Captain Smith Machar by phone and described him as a true hero of India, Israel, and the world. During that conversation, he also invited Captain Machar and Prime Minister Modi to light the torch at the ceremony on Israel's Independence Day.
Netanyahu told Captain Machar, "I would like to invite you and my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to light the ceremonial torch on our next Independence Day. You are a true hero of the brave people of India and Israel, and of the entire world." He also wished the pilot a speedy and full recovery.
The Israeli Prime Minister stated that this honor is usually given to citizens of his country, but in Captain Machhar's case, Israeli citizens will embrace him as well. He stated that the people of Israel are still embracing the Captain and will continue to do so. After receiving Captain Machhar's account of the events in the cockpit, Netanyahu praised his courage and ability to maintain composure under difficult circumstances.
He said that Captain Machchar, in addition to saving the lives of those on board, also sent a message to the world that brave pilots and passengers can face any dangerous situation together. At the end of the conversation, Netanyahu once again invited Captain Machchar to visit Israel, saying that he looked forward to meeting him again and that, given the circumstances, the visit would be memorable and historic.