Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Israel’s Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony alongside Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, recognising the captain’s bravery in preventing a potential mid-air disaster aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
In a post on X on Thursday, Netanyahu said he had spoken to Modi and extended the invitation in honour of Machchhar, a flydubai captain from Gujarat who was seriously injured when his Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit in late September.
Netanyahu said Modi had thanked him for the invitation and highlighted the cooperation between India and Israel in combating terrorism. He also shared a photograph of the two leaders embracing.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed the conversation, stating that the leaders discussed recent developments in West Asia and emphasised the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region. The PMO statement also said Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward, but did not mention the invitation to the ceremony.
Indian Pilot Praised for Courage
Machchhar was seriously injured during the cockpit attack in September. Despite his injuries and the aircraft’s rapid descent, he managed to open the cockpit door, enabling other crew members and passengers to intervene and restrain the attacker.
The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The flight was carrying 174 passengers, most of them Israeli citizens.
Netanyahu had previously praised the captain’s actions, describing him as a “true hero” and commending his extraordinary bravery in preventing a potentially catastrophic incident.
PM Modi Earlier Spoke to Captain Machchhar
Modi spoke to Machchhar on October 2 and praised his courage and presence of mind during the attack.
During the video call, the Prime Minister commended the captain for making critical decisions under extreme pressure and helping protect the lives of passengers and crew.
Machchhar later recalled that the incident began when his co-pilot asked to pray. After briefly looking towards the front of the aircraft out of respect, he was struck on the back of his head. He initially thought there was a problem with the aircraft before realising he was being attacked.
Despite his injuries and impaired vision, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door as the aircraft descended sharply, allowing others to intervene.
A Notable Gesture at Israel’s Independence Day
Israel’s Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony is a prominent national event, with the honour traditionally reserved for Israeli citizens.
Netanyahu’s invitation to an Indian pilot is therefore a notable gesture of recognition for Machchhar’s actions. The proposed participation also comes amid continued diplomatic engagement between India and Israel, even as both leaders have stressed the importance of restoring peace and stability in West Asia.