US, Oct. 2 -- US President Donald Trump hailed Indian captain Smit Machchhar as a "hero" while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was no less effusive in his words to praise his "extraordinary" resistance.

Captain Machchhar was like any other Indian commercial aviator operating for an international airline. But his swift response, an instinct natural to any seasoned pilot, yet backed by extraordinary grit and bravery, averted a mid-air disaster. Despite being severely injured in an unprovoked attack by his Omani co-pilot, Captain Machchhar fought back to regain control during the violent mid-air crisis, earning him global praise.

Trump said the Indian national was in "very bad shape" but still had the presence of mind to help pr...