Goa, Oct. 22 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Israel's Independence Day celebrations by lighting a ceremonial torch alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured in a stabbing incident aboard a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu announced the invitation on Thursday following a telephone conversation with Modi, highlighting the longstanding relationship between India and Israel.

In a post on X, Netanyahu said he had spoken with his Indian counterpart and invited him to light a torch alongside the Indian pilot in recognition of his bravery.

"Modi thanked me for the invitation and said that, on the ground and in the air, India...