Israel Plans Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue in One of Its Biggest Cities, Gets Fadnavis' Backing

Israel is working on a long-term cultural project to install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in one of its major cities, a move aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Israel. The announcement was made by Israel's Consul General to Mumbai, Yaniv Revach, on the occasion of Shivrajyabhishek Din, marking the coronation anniversary of the Maratha ruler.

Israel Seeks Fadnavis' Guidance for Landmark Project

Speaking about the initiative, Revach said the Israeli government had already approached Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for support and guidance regarding the proposed statue.

"Of course, he gave us immediately his blessing, and he will give us all of the support that we'll need," Revach said while discussing the project.

The consul general explained that the proposal was part of a broader effort to deepen bilateral relations and showcase Israel's goodwill towards the people of India. According to him, the project would involve creating a statue of Shivaji Maharaj and installing it in Israel rather than undertaking a large commemorative initiative in India.

Inspired by Growing India-Israel Relations

Revach linked the idea to the strengthening of diplomatic and cultural ties between the two countries, particularly following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Jerusalem.

"Because 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 told ANI.

He noted that the project emerged from efforts to highlight shared historical experiences and deepen mutual understanding between the two nations.

Similar Histories Prompt Cultural Outreach

The Israeli diplomat said he discovered several parallels between the histories of India and Israel after arriving in the country earlier this year.

"When I came here to India a few months ago, I learned about the similarities between India and Israel. The fact that we both nations had to fight, the Jews also had to fight for their land for many, many decades," he stated.

Revach added that the Israeli government has been undertaking "special efforts to bring people from our two countries closer..." and believes that greater awareness about Shivaji Maharaj in Israel could contribute to that goal.

"I believe that we need to make efforts to create greater awareness about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Israel," he said.

The consul general praised the Maratha king's legacy, highlighting his values of "good governance, courage, religious tolerance", which he said continue to inspire people across generations. He added that the proposed statue would become a "powerful symbol" of India-Israel friendship and would also reflect the historical connection between Maharashtra and India's Jewish community.

Fadnavis Unveils Shivaji Maharaj Statue at Navi Mumbai Airport

The announcement coincided with a major event in Maharashtra, where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled a 20-foot bronze statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Navi Mumbai International Airport on Shivrajyabhishek Din.

The airport, which began operations in December 2025, now features the towering statue as a tribute to the Maratha ruler's legacy.

"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 marked a symbolic celebration of Shivaji Maharaj's enduring influence, even as plans emerged for his legacy to be commemorated internationally through Israel's proposed cultural initiative.