Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Interacts with Captain Smit Machchhar

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today interacted with Captain Smit Machchhar through a video call. He began the conversation by inquiring about his health, assuring him that the entire country is praying for his recovery. He commended the pilot’s courage, patience, and swift presence of mind in taking critical decisions in a fraction of a second to save numerous lives. He pointed out that despite battling life and death and sustaining severe injuries, the Captain prioritized the safety of his passengers over his own life, enhancing the honor of 140 crore countrymen. “Today the entire country can proudly say that we Indians are not people who take lives, we are people who save lives,” emphasized Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister fondly recalled his conversation with the pilot’s family members, including Bhupendra bhai, Geeta bahen, and Sonal bahen. He praised Geeta bahen for instilling profound cultural values into her son, observing that she had completely absorbed and lived the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

The Prime Minister listened carefully as Captain Smit, calling him his biggest ideal, recounted how seventeen years of flying experience helped him realize the aircraft was going down. He heard the pilot describe the harrowing moment of making a final push to open the door, determined not to let the passengers die despite being heavily trapped and wounded. He deeply appreciated the Captain drawing spiritual strength from reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during his struggle for survival. He acknowledged that the Captain becoming emotional after enduring such a struggle is an entirely natural response. "Your brave actions have made the entire world eager to speak with you, and your family has truly brought glory to the nation," affirmed Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister highlighted the widespread emotional solidarity across the nation, noting that special prayers and aartis are being conducted from Savarkundla to Wadhwan for the pilot’s longevity. He lauded the Captain’s resolve to view his recovery as a patient journey, and appreciated hearing how the pilot recites the Hanuman Chalisa daily with his two-year-old son to stay connected to Indian culture. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for providing outstanding medical care, echoing the Captain's sentiment about the immense love received from the local people. He noted that the Captain's actions protected the dignity and standing of all Indian pilots globally. “Today is Gandhi Jayanti; what the true essence of non-violence is, you have demonstrated by living it,” observed Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister conversed affectionately in Gujarati, inquiring after the Captain's young children, Bobby and Jiwa. He expressed profound admiration for the pilot's parents and his wife, Sonalbahen, who maintained remarkable poise and faith without a single trace of complaint during recent conversations. He assured the Captain that he remains just a phone call away and promised to listen to the inside details of the incident once they meet in person. He wished him a complete and speedy recovery while emphasizing that the entire country stands firmly with him. “Get well very soon so we can meet; God bless you and Jai Hind,” asserted Shri Modi.

An unforgettable conversation with Captain Smit, filled with pride and emotions. https://t.co/CCf46PKOWR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2026