Flydubai pilot...the first comment by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

- The pilot, Smit Machhar, the Indian pilot who was stabbed while contributing to thwarting an attempt - which appears to have been aimed at hijacking - a Flydubai plane, is celebrated in India as a hero. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on the X platform (formerly Twitter): “Captain Smit Machhar is a hero. He showed extreme courage and unwavering determination to protect the lives of others, in the face of imminent danger and despite being seriously injured,” and added: “India is proud of Captain Machhar.”

Prominent media outlets also praised his courage; The Times of India wrote: “Pilot from Mumbai proves he is a hero,” while India Today reported: “Indian pilot praised after thwarting alleged attack inside the cockpit on a Flydubai flight.” “Viewers, if 166 Israelis return home tonight unharmed, it is entirely thanks to the bravery of one Indian, Captain Smit Machhar,” a CNN News-18 anchor said during his main programme, while many Indians also expressed their pride on social media.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously praised the pilot, “Machar,” describing him as a “true hero,” noting that he showed “exceptional courage” and saved the lives of 174 people on board the plane. Netanyahu said in a blog post on the “X” platform: “Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he resisted and opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to control the attacker, thus preventing a horrific air disaster.”

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh stated that the "brave Indian pilot" was transferred to a hospital in the city of Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia, where he is receiving medical care. A statement from the embassy on the X platform said: “We are awaiting a detailed report on his health condition, but reports indicate that his condition is stable.

We hope that he recovers from his injuries as soon as possible.”