Mumbai: In a significant gesture aimed at strengthening cultural and historical ties between India and Israel, the Israeli government is planning to install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in one of its major cities. The announcement was made by Israel’s Consul General to Mumbai, Yaniv Revach, on the occasion of Shivrajyabhishek Din, commemorating the coronation of the legendary Maratha ruler.
Speaking about the initiative, Revach said the proposal has already been shared with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has extended his support to the project. According to the diplomat, the proposed installation is envisioned as a long-term effort to showcase goodwill toward the people of India and further deepen bilateral relations between the two nations.
Revach explained that the idea emerged from broader efforts to strengthen India-Israel ties following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Jerusalem. While both countries have expanded cooperation in areas such as defence, technology, agriculture and trade over the years, Israel now seeks to enhance cultural and historical engagement as well.
“Following the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Jerusalem, we decided to deepen the ties between Israel and India in different aspects. One of the aspects was actually the history of our two nations,” Revach said. He added that instead of launching a large project in India, Israel preferred to create a lasting symbol of friendship by installing a statue of Shivaji Maharaj on Israeli soil.
The consul general highlighted what he described as historical parallels between India and Israel, particularly the struggles both nations have faced in securing and defending their homelands. He noted that learning about India’s history and the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had helped him understand these similarities more deeply.
According to Revach, the Israeli government is making special efforts to bring citizens of the two countries closer through cultural initiatives and greater public awareness. He stressed the importance of introducing more Israelis to the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj, whose leadership continues to inspire millions in India.
The diplomat praised Shivaji Maharaj for his qualities of courage, effective governance and religious tolerance. He said these values remain relevant even today and make the Maratha king a respected historical figure beyond India’s borders. The proposed statue, he added, would stand as a powerful symbol of friendship, mutual respect and shared values between India and Israel.
Revach also pointed to the historical connections between Maharashtra and the Indian Jewish community, noting that the statue would carry additional significance in light of these longstanding cultural links.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis marked Shivrajyabhishek Din by unveiling a 20-foot bronze statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The airport, which began operations in December 2025, now features the grand statue as a tribute to the Maratha ruler’s enduring legacy.
Expressing confidence in the monument’s impact, Fadnavis said that passengers arriving at or departing from the airport would draw inspiration from Shivaji Maharaj’s image and ideals.
