Netanyahu calls Modi, invites him to light torch

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to light a ceremonial torch at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations alongside Indian flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar.

In a post on X on Thursday (October 22), Netanyahu said Modi had expressed solidarity with Israel in its fight against terrorism and praised the “strong and decades-old ties” between the two countries.

Modi confirmed the phone call, saying the leaders reviewed progress in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership.

They also discussed recent developments in West Asia and stressed the need to restore peace and stability in the region, Modi said.