Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Smit Machchhar at the UPSC centenary celebrations in New Delhi on Thursday, saying the Indian pilot’s actions during a Flydubai flight emergency brought glory to the country and earned international recognition.Key HighlightsPM Modi praised Captain Smit Machchhar at the UPSC centenary event.Machchhar was injured during an incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073.The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.PM Modi said the pilot helped save hundreds of lives.Machchhar is receiving medical treatment in Tabuk.Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the Indian pilot.PM Modi Praises Captain Smit MachchharAddressing the UPSC centenary celebrations at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, PM Modi spoke about Captain Smit Machchhar and his actions during the Flydubai flight incident.Modi said Machchhar demonstrated patience, presence of mind and courage while dealing with the emergency. He also referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's comments praising the Indian pilot.“Captain Smit's bravery fills every Indian with pride,” Modi said, while urging citizens to pray for the pilot's recovery.What Happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073Captain Smit Machchhar was flying Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an incident involving his co-pilot occurred on Wednesday.According to reports, Machchhar was attacked and seriously injured but continued working to protect the passengers and crew. The Boeing 737 was eventually diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing.The flight was carrying 174 people. Passengers helped restrain the attacker after the cockpit door was opened, according to accounts of the incident.Captain Smit Machchhar Receiving TreatmentMachchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk following the incident. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it was in contact with his family and coordinating with Saudi authorities to provide assistance.PM Modi also spoke with Machchhar's parents and wife and assured them that Indian missions were providing all possible assistance.The Ministry of External Affairs said the pilot was safe and receiving medical attention, while wishing him a speedy recovery.International Praise for Indian PilotCaptain Machchhar's actions have received attention outside India as well. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised his courage and said the pilot's actions helped prevent a potential major aviation disaster.Netanyahu said Machchhar's actions saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and passengers of other nationalities.PM Modi also praised the pilot earlier on X, describing him as a “hero” and saying his actions helped save lives and avert a major tragedy.UPSC Centenary CelebrationsPM Modi's remarks came during the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission at Bharat Mandapam.The event marks 100 years since the establishment of the UPSC in 1926. During the programme, the Prime Minister also released a commemorative coin, stamp and a book on landmark judgments shaping the policies of UPSC and State Public Service Commissions.The two-day centenary programme began on September 30 and includes discussions involving UPSC members, State Public Service Commission representatives, government officials and academics.
