Story perspectives

Netanyahu Invites Modi to Israel Independence Day Torch-Lighting

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 5:12 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited PM Narendra Modi and Captain Smit Machchhar to light a torch on Israel’s Independence Day, Oct. 22, 2026.
Modi thanked Netanyahu, saying India and Israel are fighting terrorism together.
Captain Smit Machchhar was injured on Sep. 30, 2026 after an alleged Omani co-pilot attack on flydubai FZ1073.
President Isaac Herzog sent Machchhar an official invitation to Jerusalem to receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.

History

Historical Context

India opened an embassy in Tel Aviv in January 1992, ending unofficial contact and enabling security ties such as Israel’s arms aid in the 1999 Kargil war. After Modi’s 2017 visit, Netanyahu invited him to Israel on 25 February 2026 to discuss the “Hexagon of Alliances” and possible Iron Beam integration. India now buys about 42 % of Israel’s arms exports.

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Story summary

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited PM Narendra Modi and Captain Smit Machchhar to light a torch on Israel’s Independence Day, Oct. 22, 2026.
Modi thanked Netanyahu, saying India and Israel are fighting terrorism together.
Captain Smit Machchhar was injured on Sep. 30, 2026 after an alleged Omani co-pilot attack on flydubai FZ1073.
President Isaac Herzog sent Machchhar an official invitation to Jerusalem to receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.

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