Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), visited Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in hospital on Saturday and praised his courage and efforts to protect human life during a mid-air attack.
Machchhar was injured after another pilot stabbed him during the flight on Wednesday, according to the account of the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Machchhar over a video call on Friday and praised his courage, presence of mind and composure during the incident. The mission added that it was in contact with his family and local authorities to support his recovery. “Indian braveheart Capt. Smit remains under excellent medical care & is recovering well. We are in touch with his family & local authorities, extending support for a speedy recovery. Our thanks to the UAE gov. for their care. The aircraft began to plummet as the situation unfolded. The Prime Minister acknowledged the pilot’s role in helping protect the lives of passengers and crew members during the emergency.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE said Machchhar was responding well to treatment and continued to receive medical care. We join well-wishers in praying for his good health,” the embassy said in a post on X.
