Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke by video call to Captain Smit Machchhar, the Flydubai pilot who was stabbed in the cockpit of flight FZ1073. Afterwards he posted on X that it was “an unforgettable conversation with Captain Smit, filled with pride and emotions.”
In the video call, Modi told Machchhar that his courage, patience and presence of mind had saved many lives. He said the country can proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their own to save others. He also told the captain that he had enhanced the honour of the country and shown the world the true meaning of “Ahimsa.” Modi added that India is waiting to welcome him home.
What Machchhar told him
Speaking from his hospital bed in the UAE with his head bandaged, Machchhar gave the Prime Minister a detailed account of the attack. He became emotional while recalling it. He said his flying experience, which spans 17 years including 11 as a captain, let him sense the aircraft’s steep descent even after he was knocked down. He realised what would happen to the plane if he did not act. With whatever energy he had left, he said, he managed to save it.
He also said that he recites the Hanuman Chalisa in times of difficulty and that Lord Hanuman gave him courage. He told Modi he was his biggest idol, that he had never imagined getting the chance to speak to him, and that he expected to make a full recovery.
The Prime Minister’s earlier posts
The call follows two posts from Modi’s account. On 1 October, he called Machchhar a “HERO”, saying that despite being seriously injured he showed immense courage and unwavering resolve to protect others, helping save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. In another post, he said the captain had shown the world the highest form of courage and prevented another 9/11-like attack, adding that 140 crore Indians salute him.
The “9/11-like” description is the Prime Minister’s own. Flydubai has said that the reasons and motives behind the cockpit incident remain unknown, and the allegations have not been independently established.
No award or honour for Machchhar has been announced. Public calls for the Ashoka Chakra so far remain a demand, not a government decision.
