Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during a Flydubai flight incident, saying his actions helped protect 174 passengers and reflected India’s spirit of humanity, bravery and service.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and bravery during a recent incident aboard a Flydubai flight, saying the pilot’s actions helped protect the lives of 174 people on board.
Goyal made the remarks while addressing members of the Indian-American community in Chicago at an event organised by the US Indian Community Foundation. The minister referred to Machchhar while speaking about courage, service and the importance of recognising people who put the safety of others before themselves.
During his address, Goyal highlighted the pilot’s conduct during the incident and said Machchhar continued to act with courage despite sustaining serious injuries.
“Today, I would like one more thing to remember this it is an honor. He is Captain Smith Macharick,” Goyal said, referring to Captain Smit Machchhar.
The minister then praised Machchhar for his actions and the role he played in protecting passengers aboard the aircraft.
“I give credit to his courage,” Goyal said.
“Captain Smith Macharick, with his courage, with his bravery, saved lives 174 people. 174 people,” he added.
While portions of the remarks concerning the precise sequence of events aboard the aircraft were unclear in the available transcript, Goyal’s central message was clear: he credited Machchhar’s courage and bravery with helping protect the passengers during the incident.
The minister connected the pilot’s actions with the broader Indian philosophy of humanity and service. Referring to the traditional concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which conveys the idea that the world is one family, Goyal said concern for people should not be limited by national borders or geographical distance.
“This is not just a shloka. This is our thought. The thought every Indian. The whole world, the whole world, we live a family. Humanity is a family,” Goyal said.
He pointed out that the United States is thousands of miles away from India, but said geographical distance does not change the Indian outlook towards humanity and service.
“America is thousands of miles away from India,” Goyal said, while describing the broader connection between Indians and people across the world.
Goyal’s remarks came during a wider interaction with Indian-Americans in Chicago, where he also spoke about prominent Indian leaders and the values associated with public service. He recalled Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri while discussing themes of national service, respect and responsibility.
The minister also referred to Shastri’s famous slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” while speaking about the contribution of members of the armed forces and farmers. Goyal drew a comparison with the respect accorded to military personnel in the United States.
“Today in America, any soldier, any person armed forces, whether passes airport or on the road, everyone stood up and applauded for him,” he said.
Goyal was in Chicago after participating in the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee. During his visit to the United States, he also held discussions with American businesses and investors before attending the Indian-American community gathering.
Captain Smit Machchhar has received public attention following the Flydubai flight incident, with political and diplomatic figures recognising his conduct during the emergency. Members of the Indian-American community have also highlighted his actions and courage.
By mentioning Machchhar during his Chicago address, Goyal added his voice to the public recognition of the pilot. The Commerce and Industry Minister used the incident to underline themes of courage, responsibility and service, while linking the pilot’s actions to the broader Indian idea of humanity as a shared responsibility.
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The remarks also placed the incident within a wider message aimed at the Indian diaspora. Goyal emphasised that acts of courage and service can resonate beyond national boundaries and serve as examples of values associated with compassion, responsibility and concern for others.
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The recognition of Captain Machchhar comes as attention remains focused on the actions taken during the Flydubai flight incident. Goyal’s comments specifically highlighted the pilot’s bravery and the reported protection of 174 passengers, making the incident a central example in his discussion of courage and humanity before the Indian-American community in Chicago.
