Captain Smit Machchhars UAE honour makes headlines: Who are the two earlier Indian recipients
Both were Indian diplomats who were recognised for their efforts to strengthen relations between India and the UAE.
PTC News Desk: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who helped protect 174 passengers aboard a Flydubai flight after an alleged attack by his Omani co-pilot, has received one of the UAE’s most prestigious civilian honours. However, he is not the first Indian to receive the First Class Order of Zayed II.
At least two other Indians have received the same award before him. Both were Indian diplomats who were recognised for their efforts to strengthen relations between India and the UAE. Unlike them, Machchhar received the honour for his courage during an aviation emergency.
Also Read: UAE honours Indian flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, crew for bravery during cockpit attack
Navdeep Singh Suri received award in 2019
Navdeep Singh Suri, who served as India’s ambassador to the UAE from December 2016 to September 2019, was the first of the two earlier recipients.
On September 11, 2019, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that then-President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan had awarded Suri the First Class Order of Zayed II.
The award was presented by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was then the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during a meeting in Abu Dhabi.
According to the UAE government, Suri was honoured for his contribution to strengthening relations between India and the UAE. Sheikh Abdullah praised his efforts to improve cooperation between the two countries and wished him success in his future assignments.
Sunjay Sudhir received same award in 2025
Six years later, another Indian ambassador, Sunjay Sudhir, received the same honour. He served as India’s ambassador to the UAE from November 2021 to September 2025.
Sudhir was awarded the First Class Order of Zayed II on September 17, 2025. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the honour, which was presented by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sudhir was recognised for strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE across various sectors.
During his tenure, the two countries made progress in areas such as economic and educational cooperation.
How is Captain Smit Machchhar's honour different ?
The earlier recipients, Navdeep Singh Suri and Sunjay Sudhir, received the award for their diplomatic efforts and contributions to India-UAE relations.
Machchhar and his fellow crew members, however, were recognised for their courage during an aviation emergency following the September 30 attack.
According to the UAE’s official announcement, the award recognised the crew’s efforts to protect passengers and secure the aircraft during the incident.
The ceremony was attended by senior UAE leaders, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Machchhar has also received praise from leaders in India, Israel and the United States.
His award stands out because it recognises the actions of an Indian aviation professional whose courage helped prevent a potentially serious tragedy in the air. The two earlier Indian recipients were honoured for their contributions to diplomacy and stronger bilateral ties between India and the UAE.