Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to flydubai airline Captain Smit Machchaar, who foiled an attempt by his co-pilot to allegedly crash the Dubai-Israel.

During the telephonic conversation, PM Modi enquired Machchaar’s health and lauded his courage during the incident. PM Modi said the whole country is praying for the pilot and wished him a quick recovery.

“Your courage, valour and quick thinking saved the lives of so many people. Today, the entire country can say this with pride that we Indians are not the one who takes lives, but one who save lives,” PM Modi said during the call.

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Captain Smit became emotional during the conversation and said it is a very special moment for him to speak with PM Modi. He told the prime minister that he is his biggest idol.

PM said the country can proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others.