Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar through a video call on Friday, October 2, praising the Indian pilot for his courage, presence of mind and composure during a mid-air crisis. The conversation turned emotional as Machchhar became tearful while speaking with the Prime Minister.Machchhar, who was injured during an alleged attack by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, told Modi about the incident and how he managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries. The action allowed passengers and crew members to intervene while other pilots took control of the aircraft.Key HighlightsPM Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar through a video call.Machchhar became emotional during the conversation.Modi told him, “The whole country wants to talk to you.”The Prime Minister praised his courage and presence of mind.Machchhar recalled reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the crisis.The pilot said Modi was his “biggest idol”.Machchhar is recovering while receiving treatment in Abu Dhabi.PM Modi Consoles Emotional Captain MachchharDuring the conversation, Machchhar became visibly emotional and apologised to PM Modi for losing his composure. He said he had never imagined that he would get an opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister.Modi responded by reassuring him and telling him not to cry. “Why are you crying? The whole country wants to talk to you,” the Prime Minister said.Modi also told Machchhar that people across the country were praying for his recovery. He praised the pilot's courage and presence of mind during the emergency and wished him a speedy recovery.Captain Machchhar Recalls Flydubai Cockpit AttackMachchhar described how he continued to act despite suffering serious injuries during the incident. According to his account, he realised that the aircraft was going down and that he needed to reach the cockpit door.He managed to open the door, allowing people outside the cockpit to enter and intervene. The aircraft, carrying 174 people according to Reuters, was subsequently brought under control and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.Machchhar told Modi that he has been flying for 17 years and has served as a captain for 11 years. He said that during difficult moments he turns to the Hanuman Chalisa and was reciting it during the crisis as well.Machchhar Calls PM Modi His 'Biggest Idol'The conversation also included a personal moment when Machchhar told Modi that the Prime Minister was his “biggest idol”. He expressed gratitude for the call and said it was a special moment for him.Modi also referred to his earlier conversations with Machchhar's parents and wife and acknowledged the family's support during his recovery.The Prime Minister had already praised Machchhar's actions on October 1, describing him as a hero and saying his courage helped save lives and avert a major tragedy.PM Modi Praises Captain's CourageDuring the call, Modi said Machchhar's actions reflected courage and a willingness to protect the lives of others even while facing serious danger himself.Modi also spoke with Machchhar in Gujarati during the interaction and wished him good health and a speedy recovery. The pilot remains under medical care in Abu Dhabi following the injuries sustained during the flight incident.The emotional conversation comes a day after Modi publicly praised Machchhar for his actions, as details of the Flydubai cockpit incident continue to draw attention in India and internationally.
