Updated on: Oct 22, 2026, 18:59:18 IST By Akanksha Verma Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to invite him to Israel's Independence Day.
The Israeli PM called upon PM Modi to light the torch on the occasion alongside flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, who averted a major aviation tragedy earlier on September 30 this year.
Israeli PM Netanyahu shared a picture with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X. (@netanyahu) "I spoke with my friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and invited him to light the torch alongside a brave Indian pilot on Israel’s Independence Day," he said, adding that PM Modi thanked him in return.
Netanyahu further said PM Modi expressed solidarity in fight against terrorism while hailing the "strong and decades-old ties" between India and Israel.
Minutes after Netanyahu's post, Prime Minister Modi took to X and said, “Received a phone call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
We reviewed the sustained momentum in our bilateral ties and reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening our partnership.” Divulging the topics of their discussion, Prime Minister Modi said the two leaders exchanged views on the latest developments in West Asia, which has been witnessing a violent conflict, and emphasised the need to restore peace and stability in the region.
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