‘I Was Reciting Hanuman Chalisa’: Smit Machchhar, Pilot Who Foiled Flydubai ‘Hijack’ Attempt, Gets Emotional Talking to PM Narendra Modi
PM Modi spoke to Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call on Friday, praising his courage and composure. An emotional Smit called the moment deeply proud and said he kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the ordeal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call, lauding his courage, presence of mind and composure during the alleged hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight earlier this week. The Prime Minister told the pilot that the entire country was praying for his recovery and credited his actions with saving lives on board, while Smit, visibly emotional through the conversation, described the chance to speak with PM Modi as a special and deeply proud moment.
The call comes days after Smit drew widespread attention and praise, including from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for his role in handling the crisis.
PM Modi Speaks to Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar on Video Call, Says 'Your Courage Saved Many Lives'
#WATCH | PM Modi speaks with Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar through a video call and praises his courage, presence of mind and composure in how he saved many lives
The PM says to Captain Smit, "The whole country is praying for you. Maha Mrityunjay Jaap is being done for you and… pic.twitter.com/TCj3NDqASp
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2026
What Happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
Smit was the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, when the Omani co-pilot allegedly attempted to hijack the aircraft. The Indian captain's composure during the ordeal has been widely hailed. Captain Smit Machchhar Tells PM Narendra Modi What Gave Him Courage During Flydubai Mid-Air Attack.
What PM Modi Told Smit Machchhar
PM Modi said the nation stood behind the pilot in his recovery. "The whole country is praying for you. Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap is being done for you and your health. Your courage, presence of mind and composure saved many lives," he told Smit during the call.
The Prime Minister also said, "The country can proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others." Flydubai Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar ‘In Good Health and Recovering Well’ in UAE Hospital, Says Indian Envoy.
'You Are My Biggest Idol': Smit's Emotional Response
Smit told the Prime Minister that he was his biggest idol and that he had never imagined he would get an opportunity to speak with him. He said the call had made him extremely proud.
The pilot also revealed that he turned to prayer in the difficult moments. "Whenever I am in pain, I recite the Hanuman Chalisa. At that time too, I only kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa. Today, one call from you makes me feel really proud," Smit said.
PM Modi Also Speaks About Smit's Mother
During the interaction, PM Modi also spoke about Smit's mother, Geeta Ben, saying she had raised her son with the values and teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2026 01:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
