New Delhi: There was a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. During this, both the leaders discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the need to quickly stop the ongoing conflict in the region and restore peace and stability. Bilateral relations between India and Israel were also reviewed in the conversation. Both the leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen mutual partnership.
This conversation took place at a time when political activities regarding the upcoming general elections in Israel remain important. At the same time, amidst the ongoing tension in West Asia, India’s emphasis on restoration of peace is considered important.
Is there any need to stop conflict in West Asia?
After the conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared this information on social media platform X. He said the two leaders discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region.
India has been continuously appealing for reducing tension and maintaining peace in the region. In such a situation, raising the issue of the need to stop the conflict in talks with Netanyahu reflects India’s diplomatic stance.
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. We also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and underscored the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region. @netanyahu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2026
Did Netanyahu invite PM Modi to visit Israel?
During the conversation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Prime Minister Modi to attend Israel’s Independence Day celebrations next year. According to Netanyahu, he has invited Modi to light the ceremonial torch at the ceremony along with a brave Indian pilot.
In his post on Twitter, Netanyahu praised the strong relations between India and Israel, calling Prime Minister Modi a friend. He said Modi thanked him for the invitation. According to Netanyahu, the two countries’ cooperation against terrorism was also mentioned in the talks.
Who is Smit Machar, whose bravery was discussed?
The Indian pilot mentioned by Netanyahu has been named Smit Machar. He is a pilot for flydubai. According to available information, he was injured in an alleged attack on September 30 while on a flight to Tel Aviv. It is alleged that the co-pilot of the plane had tried to capture the plane.
It is reported that during this time Smit Machar fought him and was successful in reaching the cockpit door. Honouring his bravery, Netanyahu has offered Prime Minister Modi to light the torch with him at the Independence Day celebrations.
Agreed to strengthen India-Israel partnership?
During the phone conversation, the two leaders reviewed the progress of cooperation between India and Israel. Relations between the two countries are considered important in areas like defence, technology, trade, agriculture and security.
Netanyahu did not comment in detail on the conflict in West Asia in his social media post, but underlined India and Israel’s cooperation against terrorism and the longstanding relations between the two countries.
Overall, on one hand the issue of regional peace and stability remained prominent in this conversation, while on the other hand the proposal to advance India-Israel relations and honor the Indian pilot who showed bravery was also discussed.
