Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Pilot’s Heroism Could Help Repair India-US Relations
This opinion article says relations between India and the United States have become very strained.
The author says President Donald Trump’s choices have helped make the relationship worse.
It also tells the story of Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was badly hurt but opened a locked cockpit door during an attempted hijacking.
The article says his actions gave passengers a chance to survive.
The author believes people in the United States may connect with Machchhar’s story.
The author suggests India could invite him to speak in many American cities and communities.
The article also says Indian diplomats should work harder to build personal connections in Washington.
These are the author’s views and proposals.
The opinion article describes India-US relations as being at their lowest point since India’s 1998 nuclear tests.
The author blames President Donald Trump’s actions, including his handling of the Pahalgam attack and meetings with Pakistan’s General Asim Munir, for worsening ties.
The article says Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was severely wounded after opening a locked cockpit door during an attempted hijacking of Flydubai flight 1073.
The author argues Machchhar’s actions could help him connect with Americans and serve as an informal emissary for India.
The article urges India’s leaders and diplomats to strengthen informal ties in the United States and organize a broad public-speaking tour for Machchhar.
- Who
- Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, Indian leaders and diplomats, and the governments of India and the United States.
- What
- An opinion article proposes that Machchhar’s heroism could help improve India-US relations.
- When
- The article discusses current tensions and refers to events including the 1998 nuclear tests; it gives no publication date.
- Where
- The proposed outreach would take place in the United States; the article says Machchhar is recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital.
- Why
- The author argues Machchhar’s story could connect with Americans and provide a positive public face for India amid strained bilateral ties.
- Author
- Michael Rubin
- Pilot
- Smit Machchhar
- Flight
- Flydubai flight 1073
- Pilot’s condition
- Recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital, according to the article
- Diplomatic proposal
- The author suggests Machchhar speak to audiences in American cities and communities.
- Historical reference
- The article compares current India-US relations with the period after India’s 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests.