Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the phone with Captain Smit Machchhar on Friday, commending the Indian pilot's bravery in thwarting an attack by his co-pilot that saved 180 lives aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
During the call, Captain Machchhar shared details of the incident and spoke of what gave him the courage to act in the critical moments. The Prime Minister heard him out and applauded his composure, telling him that the whole country was praying for him. "Captain Smit's courage, presence of mind and composure saved many lives," Modi said during the interaction.
The Prime Minister further lauded the pilot's spirit, saying the country could proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives but those willing to risk their lives to save others. Captain Machchhar, for his part, appeared emotional during the exchange. He told the Prime Minister that Modi is his biggest idol and expressed how special and proud he felt to receive the call. The telephonic interaction comes in the wake of the incident aboard the flydubai flight, where Captain Machchhar's swift and composed response is credited with averting a possible tragedy and ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
By reaching out personally, the Prime Minister sought to acknowledge the pilot's courage on behalf of the nation. The conversation, according to the account shared, left a deep impression on Captain Machchhar, who wished to convey that the gesture from the Prime Minister meant a great deal to him personally, coming as it did from someone he has long admired.
