On Gandhi Jayanti, Prime Minister highlights pilot’s quick decisions and selfless response during a life-threatening crisis
GTNS | NEW DELHI | OCTOBER 2, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with Captain Smit Machchhar through a video call and praised the pilot for his courage, composure and rapid decision-making while confronting a critical situation that put passengers’ lives at risk.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi began the conversation by asking about Captain Machchhar’s health and assured him that people across the country were praying for his recovery. The Prime Minister specifically highlighted the captain’s ability to make crucial decisions within seconds despite facing a severe personal threat.
Captain Machchhar himself was seriously injured during the incident. The Prime Minister noted that even while dealing with a life-threatening situation, the captain kept the safety of passengers at the centre of his actions.
Gandhi Jayanti gives the interaction a wider message
The conversation took place on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, and Modi linked Captain Machchhar’s actions with the broader principle of non-violence.
The Prime Minister said the incident demonstrated a different dimension of courage — protecting human life when confronted with danger. He described the captain’s conduct as an example of the spirit associated with saving lives rather than causing harm.
The interaction followed Modi’s earlier public appreciation of Captain Machchhar on October 1. The Prime Minister had said that the pilot’s actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.
National attention on Captain Machchhar
The captain’s actions have drawn national attention following the serious mid-air incident involving a Flydubai flight. Government statements have highlighted his response under extreme circumstances and the injuries he sustained.
The Prime Minister has also wished Captain Machchhar a speedy recovery and renewed strength.
For Gandhi Jayanti, the interaction provided a contemporary example around which the themes of courage, compassion and protection of human life were discussed.
The Prime Minister’s Office has also released photographs of the October 2 video interaction with Captain Machchhar