Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to Captain Smit Machchhar’s wife and parents, praises pilot’s bravery that helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy; says Indian missions are providing all possible assistance, GoI sources say.
“PM Modi has spoken to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar. The Prime Minister also stressed that Indian missions are extending all possible assistance to the pilot, who is currently admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and receiving necessary medical treatment. The mission also assured them that it would provide all possible assistance in coordination with the Saudi authorities.
PM applauded the bravery of Captain Smit, who saved hundreds of lives,” sources said. Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it was awaiting a detailed update on Machchhar’s health and remained in touch with his family.
The pilot was allegedly attacked during the flight but continued to act to safeguard passengers and crew. Despite his injuries, he fought back, resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had also praised Captain Machchhar for his “extraordinary bravery” in preventing what he described as a potential mid-air catastrophe. In a statement posted by the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister on X, Netanyahu said Machchhar showed exceptional courage despite suffering serious injuries. Machchhar was stabbed and seriously wounded during the incident, according to the Israeli Prime Minister. “He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” the Israeli Prime Minister stated.
