Modi Praises Indian Captain for Saving Lives on Israel-Bound Flydubai Flight
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Smit Machchhar early Thursday for protecting others despite serious injuries and helping avert a tragedy. Israel's Foreign Ministry identifies Machchhar as the Indian captain of Israel-bound Flydubai Flight 1073 and says he unlocked the cockpit door after being stabbed. According to the ministry, Israeli passengers and Emirati crew then intervened, saving 174 lives. Modi said the captain's courage and determination had made India proud and wished him a speedy recovery and good health.