VINIT WAHI
President Droupadi Murmu today praised Captain Smit Machchhar and said that the nation is proud of him. In a social media post, President Murmu said that his heroic courage and incredible presence of mind have touched everyone.
The President highlighted that even after being seriously injured in a moment of grave peril, he remained determined to protect the lives of others. She noted that his bravery and quick response helped prevent a major tragedy and saved many precious lives. President Murmu also prayed for his speedy recovery and good health and saluted Captain Machchhar’s indomitable spirit.
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan also said that Captain Smit Machchhar’s exceptional courage and presence of mind in the face of grave danger command the highest respect and admiration.
In a social media post, Mr Radhakrishnan noted that despite being seriously injured, his determination and decisive action mid-air helped avert a catastrophic tragedy and protect the lives of those on board. The Vice President also prayed for Captain Machchhar’s speedy and complete recovery. He said that the nation is proud of this extraordinary hero.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has lauded Captain Smit Machchhar’s extraordinary courage and remarkable presence of mind during the Flydubai flight incident that occurred yesterday. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said that Mr Machchhar has saved hundreds of lives and averted a major tragedy even in the face of grave danger.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, said that Captain Smit Machchhar proved that true heroes rise in the darkest hours.
In a social media post, Mr Singh commended the Indian pilot for putting the safety of others first despite severe injuries and said that he prevented a massive catastrophe with his selfless bravery. He added that the entire country holds him in the highest regard and prays for his complete and swift recovery.
Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also praised the bravery of Captain Smit Machchhar, who, in spite of being gravely injured, showed courage that saved the lives of many.
The spokesperson said that Captain Machchhar is receiving medical attention and is safe. He said that the nation proudly stands with him and his family. He also prayed for his speedy recovery.
The Ambassador of India to the UAE, Deepak Mittal met Captain Smit Machchhar’s family in Dubai. In a social media post, the External Affairs Ministry said that the Ambassador conveyed full support and assistance of the Government for his welfare and well-being.
The Ambassador of India to the UAE, Deepak Mittal met Captain Smit Machchhar’s family in Dubai. In a social media post, the External Affairs Ministry said that the Ambassador conveyed full support and assistance of the Government for his welfare and wellbeing.
Saudi authorities have arrested an Omani co-pilot after he stabbed the captain and attempted to crash a Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv in Israel. The Omani co-pilot stabbed the captain and caused the aircraft to plunge roughly 17,400 feet in under two minutes yesterday.
However, passengers and crew members, including off-duty personnel, breached the cockpit, subdued the attacker, and helped stabilise the plane. The flight was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Regional Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz described the event as a severe security incident and a suspected terrorist attack.
The Israeli Prime Minister described Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, as a true hero who saved the lives of 174 people on board the Israel-bound flight. Mr Netanyahu said Captain Smit Machchhar displayed extraordinary bravery by fighting back and preventing a mid-air disaster.
US President Donald Trump also hailed Captain Smit Machchhar as a hero for fighting off a knife attack from the Omani co-pilot, opening the cockpit door and calling for help to foil a bid to crash the aircraft.
India’s Embassy in Riyadh and its Consulate General in Jeddah said they are closely monitoring the health of Captain Smit Machchhar. In a statement, the Indian Embassy said Captain Machchhar is currently admitted to a hospital in Tabuk and receiving medical treatment.
The embassy said initial reports indicate that his condition is stable. The Indian mission said it is in touch with Captain Machchhar’s family and is extending all possible assistance in coordination with the Saudi authorities.