Netanyahu Invites Modi to Light Israel’s Independence Day Torch With Brave Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a ceremonial torch alongside brave Indian pilot Smit Machchhar during Israel’s Independence Day celebrations on May 12, 2027.

Netanyahu announced the invitation on Thursday, October 22, following a conversation with Modi. In a post on X, the Israeli leader said the Indian Prime Minister had welcomed the invitation and appreciated the strong, long-standing ties between India and Israel.

According to Netanyahu, Modi said the two countries were fighting terrorism together, both on the ground and in the air. Netanyahu shared the message in Hindi and Hebrew, highlighting the close strategic and security cooperation between the two nations.

The invitation also brings international attention to Machchhar’s extraordinary courage during a potentially catastrophic incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 with 174 passengers on board.

Machchhar was seriously injured while attempting to stop his co-pilot, who allegedly tried to hijack the aircraft. Despite his injuries, the pilot managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot and avert a possible disaster.

The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, and all passengers reached Israel safely later that day. Machchhar is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates.

Earlier this month, Israeli President Isaac Herzog invited Machchhar to Israel to honour him with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. Both Modi and Netanyahu have praised the pilot’s courage.

Modi visited Israel in February for his second trip to the country in nine years. Bilateral relations were elevated to a strategic partnership in July 2017, during his first visit to Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu’s invitation places the Indian leader and the injured pilot at the centre of Israel’s upcoming national celebrations, while highlighting the diplomatic relationship between the two countries and the recognition of Machchhar’s actions in preventing a potential aviation tragedy.