Netanyahu invites PM Modi, Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to light torch on Israel's Independence Day

Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a torch alongside Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on Israel's Independence Day, in recognition of the pilot's actions during an alleged cockpit attack aboard a passenger aircraft.

The invitation was extended during a telephone conversation between Modi and Netanyahu, during which the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and recent developments in West Asia.

Modi said the leaders reviewed the progress in India-Israel relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership.

“We also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and underscored the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region,” Modi wrote in a post on X.

Netanyahu said Modi had expressed gratitude for the invitation and reaffirmed India's commitment to working with Israel against terrorism.

“I spoke with my friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and invited him to light a torch together with the heroic Indian pilot on the Independence Day of the State of Israel,” Netanyahu wrote on X.

He added that Modi had highlighted the cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism, both on the ground and in the air.

Why Netanyahu honoured Captain Smit Machchhar

Captain Machchhar sustained severe injuries during an alleged attack by an Omani co-pilot aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on September 30.

According to the account provided, the co-pilot attempted to take control of the aircraft, prompting Machchhar to physically confront him and unlock the cockpit door.

The intervention allowed other crew members and passengers to enter the flight deck and restrain the attacker, averting a potentially catastrophic incident. The aircraft was carrying more than 170 passengers.

Netanyahu had spoken to Machchhar by telephone on October 3, praising his courage and inviting him and Modi to participate in Israel's Independence Day celebrations.

“Captain, I want to invite you and my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to light a celebratory flame on our next Independence Day. You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel, and you're a hero of the entire world,” Netanyahu had said.

He also wished the pilot a speedy and complete recovery.

Netanyahu praises pilot's courage

During the earlier conversation, Netanyahu said the honour of lighting an Independence Day torch was usually reserved for Israeli citizens. However, he expressed confidence that Machchhar would be welcomed by the country's people.

The Israeli Prime Minister said he was astonished by the pilot's composure under extreme pressure.

“I'm amazed at your courage, at your coolness of judgement under impossible conditions,” Netanyahu told Machchhar.

He said the pilot's actions had protected not only the passengers but also offered a wider message about courage in the face of violence.

“You saved so many souls. I think you saved something bigger. You saved the spirit of the world to realise that a brave pilot and brave passengers can overcome this evil, however threatening, however violent,” Netanyahu said.

He described Machchhar as a hero of Israel, India and the world, and expressed hope that the pilot would visit Israel again.

“I look forward to seeing you here again. But under the circumstances, I think this will be a memorable and historic visit,” he said.

ANI