Archive · 7 Oct 2026
MEA Says Captain Smit Machchhar Is Recovering Well
Captain Smit Machchhar had an operation in Abu Dhabi, and India’s foreign ministry says he is getting better.
Indian officials are staying in touch with his family and doctors.
At the same briefing, the ministry answered questions about several other countries and issues.
It said India wants to reach a trade deal with the United States.
It also said India will choose energy sources with the needs of its people in mind.
The ministry urged Indians not to join the Russian military and said it is checking on some Indians believed to have joined.
India said it supports Afghanistan’s independence and sovereignty.
It also said it is speaking with countries around the world about its bid for a seat on the UN Security Council.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering well after an operation at a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
India’s mission in Abu Dhabi is in contact with Machchhar’s family and doctors as his health improves.
The MEA said 259 Indians are believed to have joined the Russian military; 139 have received early discharge, and officials are following up on 69 others.
India said it is pursuing a mutually beneficial trade agreement with the United States and will make energy decisions based on national interest and affordable supply.
The briefing also addressed Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Indian nationals in Russia, Pakistan’s claims about Kashmir, and India’s bid for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
- What
- The MEA said Machchhar is recovering well after surgery and addressed several foreign-policy issues.
- When
- Wednesday, October 7; the year was not specified.
- Where
- Machchhar’s operation took place at a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- The MEA provided an update on Machchhar’s health and responded to questions on India’s international relations.
India’s account
Pakistan’s challenge
Accounts of the Kashmir operation
India’s account
The MEA rejected Pakistan’s account, saying it was incorrect and that television claims could not change ground realities.
Pakistan’s challenge
Pakistan contested India’s account of its operation in Kashmir and claimed that a former Pakistani army personnel had been killed.
- Machchhar’s condition
- The MEA said he is recovering well and his health is improving.
- Indian recruits in Russia
- 259 Indians are believed to have been recruited into the Russian military.
- Early discharges
- 139 Indians have received early discharge from the Russian army.
- Follow-up cases
- The MEA said it is following up with Russian authorities on the whereabouts of 69 Indians.
- India’s population referenced
- The MEA said India aims to provide affordable energy to 1.4 billion people.
- Indians in Russia
- The MEA cited more than 30,000 Indian students and around 70,000 Indian nationals in Russia.
- Trade talks
- India said it remains in contact with US authorities to conclude a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement.