The hero Indian pilot of the 'Fly Dubai' plane, Smith Machar, spoke this morning with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, from his hospital bed in the United Arab Emirates.

The hero Indian pilot of the 'Fly Dubai' plane, Smith Machar, spoke this morning with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, from his hospital bed in the United Arab Emirates.

Modi told Smith that "the whole nation is praying for you and for your health. Your courage, composure and calm demeanor have saved many human lives. The country can proudly say that Indians are not the ones who cause death, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others."

Smith himself told Moody that "You are my biggest idol. I never thought I would get to talk to you. I feel a huge sense of pride. At that moment, I was fighting for my life, but I realized that if I didn't get up and act - after being seriously injured and lying on the floor - no one else would. I've been flying airplanes for 17 years and I've been a captain for the last 11 years, and I know what's going on in an airplane, even with my eyes closed. I knew that one push was enough Another one to open the door. Despite my injuries, I opened it, and then the passengers got in and took over the plane. I knew I couldn't let the passengers die. I was aware that if I didn't show courage at this moment, 170 people would lose their lives."