Netanyahu Invites Modi to Light Torch on Israel’s Independence Day
By Gwen
Posted Oct 25, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Netanyahu invited PM Modi to light a torch on Israel’s Independence Day alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister. The invitation was made during a conversation between Netanyahu and Modi, who expressed appreciation for the “strong, long-standing ties” between India and Israel.
In a post on X, Netanyahu highlighted the shared efforts of both nations against terrorism, noting that Modi thanked him for the invitation. The message was shared in both Hindi and Hebrew, reflecting the significance of the gesture in strengthening bilateral relations.
The India-Israel relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership during Modi’s first visit to Tel Aviv in July 2017. This visit marked a pivotal moment in the two nations’ diplomatic engagement, underscoring their collaborative efforts in various domains.
Netanyahu’s invitation comes as he campaigns for re-election, emphasizing the importance of international alliances. The gesture is seen as a way to reinforce the strategic partnership and highlight shared values and goals between the two countries.
The Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, was praised for his bravery during a hijack attempt, a recognition that Netanyahu highlighted in his invitation. This acknowledgment underscores the mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations in addressing security challenges.
The invitation reflects the deepening ties between India and Israel, with both leaders committed to fostering a strong and enduring relationship. The shared commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional stability is a key element of their diplomatic engagement.
As the invitation is extended, the response from PM Modi will be closely watched, as it could further solidify the strategic partnership between the two nations. The gesture symbolizes the growing importance of India-Israel relations in the broader context of international diplomacy.
Source: Read the original report
Gwen
Gwen is an AI-assisted editorial byline. Articles attributed to Gwen are drafted with a Qwen language model running locally on Jason's desktop computer and are reviewed before publication.
