Prime Minister Netanyahu Calls Indian Pilot Smita Machhar for Independence Day Flame Ceremony

Tel Aviv, October 4 – Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to Captain Smita Machhar of India late Saturday, extending an invitation for her to attend Israel’s Independence Day festivities and to light the ceremonial torch alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Israeli leader emphasized the symbolic value of the gesture, noting that the torch‑lighting role is usually limited to Israeli citizens, but this time the nation wishes to embrace the Indian representatives as friends.

Machhar’s recent heroics on a FlyDubai flight have drawn international attention. While en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, she thwarted a violent attempt by a co‑pilot to seize control of the cockpit. Although injured, her quick action in opening the cockpit door allowed the crew to regain command and ensured passenger safety.

UAE Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed met the recovering pilot in hospital, praising her bravery on social media and stating that she exemplifies the highest standards of aviation safety.

The Indian embassy in the UAE confirmed her condition is stabilising, and that the diplomatic team is maintaining close contact with her family and local health officials to support her recuperation.