PM Modi Speaks To Captain Smit Machchhar Over Video Call, Praises His Courage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar over videoconference on October 2, 2026, and applauded his valour and calmness under pressure after he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot on a Flydubai aircraft.

The prime minister asked about the captain’s wellbeing and recovery after he lost consciousness and suffered a number of physical injuries while trying to open the cockpit of an aircraft flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, before asking if he took any particular precautions during the emergency.

He thanked him for his presence of mind once he regained control of the plane and allowed some of the passengers to enter the cockpit and assist in subduing the attacker, after which a reserve crew landed the plane at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, following media reports.

PM Modi Praises Pilot’s Calmness During Emergency

• Prime Minister Modi praised the captain’s composure under pressure, noting that he had been focused on ensuring the safety of the passengers in spite of the risks he had put himself through.
• He also asked about his convalescence and recovery, while expressing appreciation for his family’s support, as well as their values, during the ordeal.
• The conversation served as a reminder of the value of presence of mind, courage, and quick thinking during an aviation emergency.

Captain Talks About Faith During Emergency

During the videoconference, Captain Machchhar spoke about the harrowing experience in the aircraft and the resilience that saw him through it.

In addition to his injuries and the mortal peril he was in, he described having drawn strength from reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, which kept him going through the ordeal.

This conversation also served to acknowledge the contribution of the passengers who not only aided in bringing down the attacker but also ensured the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, as well as the reserve crew who landed the plane in Tabuk following news reports that he was being treated at a hospital in Abu Dhabi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conversation with Captain Smit Machchhar drew attention to the contributions of both the passengers and the crew of the aircraft during the emergency.