An Indian fighter aircraft, the essentially developed Tejas, crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, according to witnesses and officials who spoke to AFP. The jet went down at around 2:10 p.m. local time.

Online videos of the incident suggest that the aircraft may have lost control during a stunt, causing it to crash and erupt into flames. The accident occurred on the final day of the Middle East’s largest airshow, where the area was filled with various aircraft on display.

Later, the Indian Air Force confirmed on Twitter that the pilot did not survive the crash.

The tragedy has prompted several countries to question the safety and reliability of the Tejas fighter jet. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the aircraft was being showcased as India pushed for export deals in the Middle East. However, the crash has shaken confidence in HAL, and potential buyers may now become hesitant or delay their procurement plans.

Both the Indian Air Force and HAL have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Officials say the findings will be used to improve the jet’s design and operational protocols, but the setback poses a significant challenge to India’s defence export ambitions.

Experts say that accidents like this can make it harder for new defence manufacturers—like India—to gain trust in the global market. It may slow down talks with countries that were thinking about buying the fighter jet.

But such incidents are tragic for everyone. Losing a human life is never a small matter; it is heartbreaking news for people across the world. Unfortunately, moments like these often bring out extreme reactions on both sides of the Pakistan–India divide, where some individuals forget basic values like empathy and humanity.

In contrast, Shahid Afridi, who is one of the notable and iconic figures in Pakistan as well as in India, expressed deep sorrow over the accident. His message served as a reminder that compassion should rise above political and national differences, especially in times of loss. He said, “Don’t celebrate the death of an enemy-one day, loved ones can die too.”

Many Pakistanis supported Shahid Afridi’s stance and expressed their condolences over the incident.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)