Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke with Captain Smit Machchhar over the phone, praising his bravery and presence of mind in foiling an alleged attempt to crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight. The Prime Minister said, Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their own lives to save others. He lauded Captain Machchhar for taking a split-second decision that helped save the lives of hundreds of passengers.

On Wednesday, Captain Machchhar got seriously injured after being stabbed by his co-pilot in the cockpit of Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children. The pilot is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in the UAE.

Speaking to the Prime Minister from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience, including 11 years as a captain, helped him understand the gravity of the situation and act immediately. He told the Prime Minister that he is away from the country but not from its culture.

Prime Minister Modi said, special prayers were being offered across India for the pilot’s speedy recovery and thanked the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for ensuring his treatment. The Prime Minister also said Captain Machchhar had enhanced the prestige of the Indian piloting community. Referring to Gandhi Jayanti being observed today, Mr Modi said the pilot had shown the world the true meaning of Ahimsa (non-violence).

Captain Machchhar, who hails from Gujarat, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the call and said he was receiving the best possible treatment. Mr Modi also spoke to him briefly in Gujarati.