New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone on Thursday and invited him to light the torch with Indian pilot Captain Smit Machhar on Israel’s Independence Day. Netanyahu described Captain Machhar as a “brave Indian pilot.”
During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the steadily strengthening bilateral relations between India and Israel and reiterated their commitment to further deepen the partnership. They also shared views on the situation in West Asia and stressed the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region.
Prime Minister Modi wrote on the social media platform X that he received a call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral relations and expressed their commitment to strengthen their partnership.
Emphasis on joint fight against terrorism
Netanyahu posted on X that Prime Minister Modi thanked him for the invitation and expressed India’s commitment to cooperate with Israel in fighting terrorism.
According to Netanyahu, Modi said that India and Israel fight terrorism together both on land and in the air. He also praised the long-standing strong relations between the two countries.
Captain Machhar displayed bravery during the plane attack
Captain Smit Machhar was seriously injured during the attack on a FlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv on September 30. It is alleged that the Omani co-pilot tried to take control of the plane. Captain Machhar fought him off and managed to open the cockpit door.
This action allowed crew members and passengers to enter the cockpit and overpower the attacker. This action averted a major disaster. The plane was carrying over 170 people.
Netanyahu had previously called the Captain a “true hero”
On October 3, Netanyahu spoke with Captain Smit Machhar by phone and described him as a “true hero” of India, Israel, and the entire world. During that conversation, he also invited Prime Minister Modi and Captain Machhar to light the torch on Israel’s next Independence Day.
Netanyahu stated that this honor is usually given to Israeli citizens, but he was confident that the Israeli people would also warmly welcome Captain Machhar.
He praised the Captain’s bravery and ability to remain calm and make decisions in difficult circumstances. Netanyahu said that the Captain, in addition to saving the lives of those on board, also sent a message to the world that violence can be countered through bravery and courage.
At the end of the conversation, Netanyahu invited Captain Machhar to visit Israel again, saying that this visit would be memorable and historic. He also thanked the pilot for his heroic act.