Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with Captain Smit Machchhar through a video call on October 2, 2026, commending the pilot's courage and presence of mind in saving passengers' lives during an aircraft incident. The PM inquired about the captain's health and assured him that the entire country is praying for his recovery, noting that despite sustaining severe injuries and battling life and death, the captain prioritized passenger safety over his own life.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the captain's actions have enhanced the honor of 140 crore countrymen and demonstrated that Indians are people who save lives rather than take lives. He recalled his previous conversation with the pilot's family members including Bhupendra bhai, Geeta bahen, and Sonal bahen, praising Geeta bahen for instilling profound cultural values in her son and observing that she had completely absorbed the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Captain Smit recounted how seventeen years of flying experience helped him realize the aircraft was going down, describing his final push to open the door despite being heavily trapped and wounded. The PM appreciated the captain drawing spiritual strength from reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during his struggle for survival and acknowledged the emotional response as natural after such an ordeal.
The Prime Minister noted widespread emotional solidarity across the nation with special prayers and aartis being conducted from Savarkundla to Wadhwan for the pilot's longevity. He extended gratitude to the governments of Saudi Arabia and UAE for providing outstanding medical care and noted that the captain's actions protected the dignity of all Indian pilots globally. The conversation occurred on Gandhi Jayanti, with the PM stating the captain demonstrated the true essence of non-violence through his actions.
The PM conversed in Gujarati, inquiring about the captain's children Bobby and Jiwa, and expressed admiration for the pilot's parents and wife who maintained remarkable poise and faith. He assured the captain of his availability and promised to hear the full details in person, concluding with wishes for a complete recovery and stating the entire country stands with him.