'We Stand By The Truth': Aviation Minister Slams Western Media Over Air India Crash 'Narrative'
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu on Monday addressed the Rajya Sabha regarding the ongoing investigation into the tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad on July 12, which left 241 passengers dead and caused additional casualties on the ground. Naidu slammed western media for blaming the pilots for the crash, adding the exact reasons will be out in the final investigation report.
Responding to questions surrounding the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary findings, Naidu emphasised that the investigation is being conducted in line with international aviation protocols and is being handled with complete transparency. 'This report can't address all the questions," Naidu said while referring to the preliminary AAIB document. 'What AAIB has done is to address what happened. For definite answers, we should wait for the final report. AAIB is investigating the matter transparently."
Highlighting a significant development in India's aviation investigation capabilities, Naidu noted, 'It was for the first time the black box was decoded in the country. India took a stand that the whole decoding process will happen in India." He added that subject experts, including international specialists, are actively involved in the process.
Naidu also took strong exception to the way some Western media outlets have covered the crash. 'Western media is trying to give their own narrative," he said, cautioning against speculative reporting. 'We have to stand by truth."
view comments
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Air India privatisation a disaster, says Manish Tewari
Congress leader Manish Tewari called the government's decision to privatise Air India and transfer its ownership to the Tata Group a 'disaster' over complaints about cancellations and delays, and described the airline as a 'management mess'. 'The Government of India should take Air India back from the Tata Group. They have run the airline into the ground,' he wrote in a post on X on Friday (August 1, 2025), calling the privatisation exercise a 'disaster'. He lamented the cancellations and delays by Air India 'at the drop of a hat', and claimed that these were happening without any explanations being offered by the airline. In a reference to appointees from Tata Group companies at the airline, he remarked that 'pilots and crew tell me that people who grow tea in Tata Tea, make steel in Tata Steel, make cars in Tata Motors are running Air India' and labelled the airline as a complete management mess. Tata Group took over Air India in January 2022 after it won the bid invited by the government for selling its 100% stake in the erstwhile national carrier. The airline has been at the centre of public and regulatory scrutiny since the June 12 crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people, the deadliest crash in the country in three decades, and the first involving a Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Palestine statehood: More countries back two-state solution - what's keeping the dream a dream?
Palestinians carry sacks of flour taken from a humanitarian aid convoy en route to Gaza City, in the outskirts of Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip. (Pic credit: AP) First France, then the United Kingdom, and now Canada: three of America's closest Western allies have recently voiced support for the idea of a Palestinian state, adding significant political heft to a movement already endorsed by more than 140 countries. On paper, it sounds like a diplomatic shift. In reality, the goal of Palestinian statehood may be further away than ever. Why now? The recent declarations by France, Britain, and Canada stem from several motives: Frustration with Israel's actions, especially in Gaza, where images of starving Palestinians have outraged many in the West. Domestic political pressure, as citizens and lawmakers demand their governments take a stand. A desire to reinvigorate peace efforts long stalled in the region. Meanwhile, Palestinians have welcomed these moves as a major boost for their cause, but Israel has rejected them outright, calling recognition of a Palestinian state tantamount to "rewarding terrorism." Where does the US stand? These announcements have left the US looking increasingly isolated in its steadfast support for Israel. US President Trump, who has aspirations for a Middle East peace legacy, has grown frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — especially over starvation in Gaza, which Netanyahu denies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo Trump wants Saudi Arabia to normalise ties with Israel as part of expanding the Abraham Accords, but Riyadh has made it clear: there will be no normalisation without an irreversible path to Palestinian statehood. What's stopping it? A lot. Here's why the dream of a Palestinian state remains just that — a dream: 1. No partner in power Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flat-out rejects a two-state solution. He has described the idea of a Palestinian state as a "launch pad to annihilate Israel." Even if Netanyahu were to waver, hardline ministers in his coalition have threatened to collapse the government over any hint of compromise. 2. Palestinian leadership vacuum On the Palestinian side, things aren't any more stable. The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, is seen as weak and out of touch. Meanwhile, Hamas, which controls Gaza, is internationally designated as a terrorist group. So even if a state were created, who would run it? Who could actually deliver peace? 3. The geography just doesn't work anymore The borders discussed in the 1990s Oslo Accords, based on 1967 lines with minor land swaps, are now more fantasy than framework. Massive Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank has carved up Palestinian territory into disconnected fragments. A contiguous, functioning Palestinian state under these conditions is nearly impossible. Can Israel accept a Palestinian state? The short answer: Not under Netanyahu's government. Netanyahu has declared that a Palestinian state would serve as a 'launch pad to annihilate Israel.' Even more extreme members of his coalition openly oppose any Palestinian sovereignty and have threatened to collapse the government if Netanyahu shows signs of compromise. Some cabinet members have even suggested starving Palestinians in Gaza rather than negotiating. What does it all mean? Recognition by France, the UK, and Canada is largely symbolic without Israel's agreement. In fact, it could even entrench Netanyahu further, allowing him to rally his base against what he will frame as unfair outside pressure. But at the same time, Israel's growing international isolation — especially among its traditional Western allies — could build pressure on leaders like Trump to reconsider their unwavering support, potentially reshaping the diplomatic landscape. The harsh reality Despite global calls, a Palestinian state faces more roadblocks now than in past decades. If anything, the conflict and entrenched positions have made it harder to imagine such a state ever existing — let alone thriving. The dream of Palestinian statehood continues to inspire hope — and trigger fierce debates. But right now, it's a dream suspended in diplomatic limbo, with no clear path, no consensus, and no timeline. The louder the world speaks, the more distant the solution seems.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
I want people of Andhra Pradesh to be ‘healthy, wealthy, happy', says Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu says his vision is to see 'healthy, wealthy and happy people' in the State, irrespective of their caste or religion. Addressing a gathering at East Veerayapalem village of Darsi mandal in Prakasam district on Saturday, Mr. Naidu said he wanted to reduce inequalities and ensure an equitable society with the P4 (People, Public, Private Partnership) scheme. Mr. Naidu said, 'I am working round the clock for the welfare of the people to improve their standard of life. After developing Hyderabad, which is now the highest per-capita income generating city, in undivided Andhra Pradesh, I am now focused on developing Amaravati as a global city. My vision is to develop Andhra Pradesh as the No. 1 State in India by 2047.' Lashes out at YSRCP Criticising the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders, Mr. Naidu said, 'People must remain vigilant against those wearing the mask of politics. In my 47-year political journey, including 15 years as Chief Minister, I have never seen such degradation in politics. A party depicted Amaravati women as prostitutes. When a few women demanded an apology during its leader's visit to Podili in Prakasam district, they were assaulted.' 'TDP MLA Prashanti Reddy was abused by another YSRCP leader. Instead of condemning it, their party chief spoke in support of it. They tried to frame me in connection with their uncle's murder. At Bangarupalem in Chittoor district, mangoes were crushed under tractors to create a political spectacle. Fake videos were shown in Nellore to create false public support,' Mr. Naidu said. 'I will not remain silent if criminals foray into politics. The political parties must serve the people. Even if power is their ultimate goal, they must uphold values, discipline, rules and decency. Should people learn foul language and violent conduct from these leaders? I'm working to protect the lives and the future of the poor,' Mr. Naidu said.
