New Delhi/IBNS, Oct. 2 -- Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar recited the Hindu devotional hymn Hanuman Chalisa for courage while battling his Omani co-pilot during a cockpit attack on a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight, media reports said.

Machchhar, who is recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, revealed the details during a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Modi called to inquire about his health and praised him for his courage and quick thinking during the mid-air crisis.

Machchhar said he relied on his 17 years of flying experience while dealing with the attack despite suffering serious injuries.

His action allowed passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit and overpower the attacker.

Two off-duty pilots ...