Indian PM Modi Praises "Hero" Pilot Injured in Mid-Air Attack

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke via video call with the captain of a Flydubai flight who was severely injured after being stabbed during an incident on a flight from Dubai to Israel. During the conversation, the captain, Smit Mehta, recounted the moments in the cockpit and described how reciting a Hindu prayer dedicated to the god Hanuman gave him strength while confronting the attacker. Modi praised the pilot's bravery and wished him a speedy recovery. Mehta is currently recovering in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Modi had previously lauded the pilot publicly, calling him a "hero," and had also spoken with Mehta's wife and parents. The Prime Minister stated that the pilot's actions brought great pride to India, commending his courage, composure, and presence of mind during the crisis.

Mehta sustained serious injuries when the co-pilot attacked him in the cockpit during the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite his wounds, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and subdue the assailant. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Mehta has since been transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE for continued medical treatment. Reports from India indicate his condition is improving.

Following the incident, Mehta also received praise from outside India. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him a hero and commended his actions. Modi himself stated that Mehta helped prevent a disaster on the scale of the September 11th attacks.