Smit Machchhar, the Indian captain of a flydubai flight, was visibly moved after receiving a telephone call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. The pilot, who is currently recovering in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates, said that the call made him proud and that he had never imagined speaking directly with the head of state.
During the video conversation, Modi praised Machchhar’s valor, noting that the captain’s actions saved more than 170 lives on the Dubai‑Tel Aviv flight and averted a potential terrorist attack. Machchhar expressed gratitude for the recognition and said he would always regard Modi as his idol.
The captain also shared that he recites the Hanuman Chalisa when facing difficult situations; he used the prayer while he was stabbed in the cockpit and struggled to rescue passengers. Modi spoke with Machchhar’s mother, Geeta Ben, and commended the pilot’s upbringing in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Modi assured the pilot and his family of all possible assistance, including medical support, and lauded the captain’s resourcefulness and courage. The incident, in which Machchhar was attacked and stabbed by a co‑pilot, saw him force the cockpit door open, allowing passengers to subdue the assailant and prevent further harm.
