India, Oct. 2 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar through a video call on Friday and praised the Indian pilot for his courage, presence of mind and composure after he was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv.

During the interaction, Machchhar became emotional and told Modi that speaking to him was a "very special moment". The pilot also told the Prime Minister that he was his "biggest idol", HT has learnt.

Modi told Machchhar that the entire country was praying for his recovery and praised the way he acted during the mid-air crisis. The PM said the country could proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives but those who are willing to risk their lives to save ...