Israel plans Shivaji Maharaj statue to strengthen India ties

Israel is planning to install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in one of its major cities as part of efforts to deepen cultural and historical ties with India, Israeli Consul General to Mumbai Yaniv Revach announced on the Maratha king’s Coronation Day.

Speaking on the occasion, Revach revealed that the proposal has already been discussed with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has expressed support for the initiative.

“We approached Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to seek his advice regarding the partnership. He immediately gave us his blessing and assured us of all the support we may need,” Revach said.

According to the diplomat, the proposed statue is envisioned as a long-term project and a gesture of goodwill from Israel towards the people of India. He explained that the idea emerged after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Jerusalem, which inspired both nations to explore new avenues for strengthening bilateral relations.

“Following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jerusalem, we decided to deepen the ties between Israel and India in different aspects. One of those aspects was the history of our two nations,” Revach told. Rather than undertaking a large project in India, Israel decided to honor the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj by installing a statue in Israel, he said.

Revach highlighted similarities between the historical experiences of India and Israel, particularly the struggles both nations faced in securing and preserving their homelands.

“When I came to India a few months ago, I learned about the similarities between India and Israel. Both nations had to fight for their land and identity over many decades,” he said.

The consul general noted that Israel has been making special efforts to bring the people of both countries closer together, particularly since Modi’s visit to Israel earlier this year.

“I believe that we need to make efforts to create greater awareness about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel,” Revach added.

He praised Shivaji Maharaj’s qualities of good governance, courage, and religious tolerance, saying they continue to inspire generations. According to Revach, the proposed statue would serve as a powerful symbol of friendship between India and Israel while also recognizing the historical links between Maharashtra and India’s Jewish community.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled a 20-foot bronze statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Navi Mumbai International Airport on Shivrajyabhishek Din, commemorating the Maratha ruler’s coronation.

The airport, which commenced operations in December 2025, now features the statue as a tribute to the legendary warrior king.

“I am confident that every passenger arriving at or departing from this international airport will draw inspiration and energy from Maharaj’s image, statue and memorial,” Fadnavis said during the unveiling ceremony. The development comes as India and Israel continue to expand cooperation across cultural, historical, economic, and strategic sectors, with both nations emphasizing stronger people-to-people connections alongside diplomatic engagement.