New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and presence of mind during a mid-air incident aboard a Flydubai flight, saying the pilot's valour has made the entire country proud and helped avert a major tragedy.

Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, PM Modi recalled the incident and praised Machchhar for displaying courage despite being seriously injured.

"The incident that occurred yesterday, Captain Smit of India demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage; indeed, as the Prime Minister of Israel stated today, an Indian prevented a 9/11-style tragedy. For every citizen...