LSN News › India

Politics · India Bureau

Israel thanks Indian pilot Smit Machchhar with Mumbai billboards

The Israeli Consulate General in Mumbai has unveiled billboards across the city honouring Captain Smit Machchhar for his heroic actions that saved 174 lives during an aviation emergency.

LSN India · 2 October 2026

Israel thanks Indian pilot Smit Machchhar with Mumbai billboards

The Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai has launched a public recognition campaign featuring billboards at multiple locations throughout the city to acknowledge the bravery of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar.

According to a statement from the consulate, the billboards express gratitude to Machchhar for his swift and decisive actions that resulted in saving 174 lives during a critical aviation incident. The campaign represents an official gesture of recognition from the Israeli government for the pilot's exceptional conduct during the emergency.

The initiative underscores the importance placed by diplomatic missions on acknowledging humanitarian acts and exceptional service. By deploying public billboards across Mumbai's prominent locations, the Israeli Consulate has ensured that Machchhar's contributions receive wider public acknowledgment within the Indian community.

This recognition reflects the diplomatic ties between India and Israel, with the consulate using this platform to highlight instances of shared values and exceptional human conduct that transcend national boundaries. The campaign serves as a public tribute to professional excellence and the life-saving decisions made under pressure.