Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during a serious incident aboard a flydubai flight, saying his courage helped protect the lives of those on board.

In a post on X on Thursday, PM Modi described Captain Machchhar as a hero and said he displayed courage despite being seriously injured during the incident. The Prime Minister also wished him a speedy recovery and renewed strength.

“Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO,” PM Modi wrote, adding that his courage and determination helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.

What happened on the flydubai flight

According to the report, the co-pilot of a flydubai flight carrying more than 170 passengers allegedly attempted to sabotage the aircraft while it was travelling from Dubai towards Tel Aviv.

Machchhar confronted the co-pilot during the incident and was stabbed. Passengers subsequently helped overpower the co-pilot.

The Boeing 737 was flying at around 34,000 feet when it began a sudden descent at approximately 10:51 am IST. It descended at a rate of roughly 23,000 feet per minute before reaching around 15,600 feet, according to the report.

Captain Smit Machchhar’s flying experience

Machchhar is an Indian citizen who has worked with flydubai for four years. Before joining the Dubai-based airline, he spent 10 years with SpiceJet.

According to his LinkedIn profile, he has more than 13 years of commercial flying experience on Boeing 737 aircraft and has logged more than 9,750 flying hours. He has also worked extensively as a line training captain.

PM Modi said Machchhar’s actions in the face of serious danger demonstrated his determination to protect others and helped avert what could have been a major tragedy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday and reviewed key areas of India-US bilateral cooperation, including trade and defence.

The conversation came as the two countries continue discussions on strengthening their broader partnership, with economic and strategic issues forming an important part of the engagement.

Modi, Trump discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation

During the phone conversation, Modi and Trump reviewed cooperation between India and the United States across several areas.

Trade and defence were among the key subjects discussed by the two leaders. Their conversation also covered energy and emerging technologies, reflecting the broad scope of the India-US partnership.

The two leaders also discussed issues linked to regional and global peace and security.

India-US trade talks continue

The conversation took place amid ongoing trade discussions between India and the United States.

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is visiting the US from September 29 to October 5 for discussions related to an interim trade agreement and the possibility of a broader bilateral trade deal.

The talks are aimed at advancing trade engagement between the two countries as officials work towards an agreement that is described as balanced and mutually beneficial.

Defence and strategic cooperation

Defence cooperation was another area reviewed by Modi and Trump during their conversation.

India and the US have developed broader cooperation across defence and strategic sectors, and the latest discussion included the two countries’ continuing engagement in this area.

Energy and emerging technologies were also part of the leaders’ discussion, underlining the range of issues covered during the phone call.

Modi-Trump discuss regional and global issues

Beyond bilateral matters, Modi and Trump also discussed regional and global peace and security.

The conversation comes as India and the US continue to engage on issues extending beyond their bilateral relationship.

The latest phone call is part of the continuing engagement between the two leaders on strengthening cooperation across trade, defence and other areas of mutual interest.

The Opposition INDIA bloc is stepping up its campaign against the Election Commission, with the alliance planning a march to the poll body’s office in Delhi and a larger programme of protests over what it calls “vote chori”.

The move comes amid a continuing dispute between the Opposition and the Election Commission over the functioning of the poll panel, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The INDIA bloc is also discussing a wider nationwide agitation, with public rallies and protests planned in different parts of the country. The alliance is expected to finalise its broader action plan during its meeting in Delhi.

INDIA bloc plans wider protest campaign

The Opposition alliance has been intensifying its criticism of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following reports about differences among Election Commissioners over decisions related to electoral rolls.

The Congress Working Committee has already demanded the removal of Gyanesh Kumar. The INDIA bloc is now considering coordinated action against the Chief Election Commissioner and the Centre.

The proposed campaign includes protests and public rallies across the country. A major rally in Delhi is also being planned as part of the Opposition’s wider mobilisation.

Opposition’s allegations against poll panel

The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the revision and preparation of electoral rolls and has repeatedly used the term “vote chori” while raising its concerns.

Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the poll panel’s actions have helped the BJP gain an advantage. The Election Commission and the government have rejected the Opposition’s criticism and defended the electoral process and the SIR exercise.

The dispute has intensified following reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections on several occasions over decisions taken under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

INDIA bloc meeting to decide next steps

Leaders of more than 20 Opposition parties are taking part in discussions on the next phase of the campaign. Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi are representing the party.

Other INDIA bloc constituents are also participating, while some parties have decided to support the Opposition’s position without attending the meeting.

The alliance is discussing both street protests and parliamentary action against the Chief Election Commissioner. The Congress has demanded his removal, while other Opposition parties have backed the broader campaign over the Election Commission row.

The INDIA bloc’s proposed march and rallies are part of its continuing effort to put pressure on the poll panel over electoral-roll revisions and its allegations of irregularities in the electoral process.