Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call, praising the courage, presence of mind and composure he showed in saving many lives.

Captain Smit, an Indian national, is the pilot who played a key role in saving the lives of more than 150 people aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from the United Arab Emirates to Israel. He put his own life at risk in doing so. The video released on Friday shows Captain Smit speaking with the Prime Minister from a hospital bed, his head bandaged and an oxygen tube in place.

During the call, Prime Minister Modi told Captain Smit that the whole country was praying for him and that a “Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap” was being performed for him and his health. Modi said that his courage, presence of mind and composure had saved many lives.

“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,” Modi said.

According to Indian news agency ANI, the Prime Minister and Captain Smit spoke in Gujarati. During the conversation, Modi also praised Captain Smit’s family and their courage.

The video of the conversation between the Prime Minister and Captain Smit has spread widely on social media, with many Indians sharing posts praising Captain Smit and wishing him a speedy recovery.