Islamabad, Pakistan: In a rare gesture of solidarity amid tense regional relations, the Pakistan Strategic Forum expressed sincere condolences to the Indian Air Force and the family of the pilot who died when a HAL Tejas aircraft crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show 2025. The message was delivered by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) late Friday night.
Message of Condolence
- Asif said the entire Pakistani nation, speaking through the Strategic Forum, mourns the loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who was piloting the Tejas LCA when it crashed.
- He emphasized that rivalry between the two countries’ air forces should remain “only in the skies,” and condemned any celebration of the tragedy. “As per the teachings of Quran & Sunnah, we do not celebrate any unfortunate incident,” he added.
- The minister signed off his message with a heartfelt tribute: “Over to the skies & beyond, RIP BRAVE HEART.”
Forum’s Statement
Alongside Asif, the Pakistan Strategic Forum—a think tank of defence analysts and military experts—posted its own tribute to the fallen IAF pilot.
- In its message, the Forum called Wg Cdr Syal’s death a loss not only for India but for the broader aerospace community.
- It noted that, despite geopolitical rivalry, moments like these transcend conflict: “Our rivalry belongs only to the skies … we stand together on common ground, united by passion for flight and respect for those who dare to push the limits.”
- The Forum offered its prayers to the pilot’s family and his squadron “in this difficult hour.”
Broader Context
- The Tejas jet crash occurred on 21 November 2025, at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, during a demonstration flight.
- The Indian Air Force has confirmed the pilot’s death and said that a Court of Inquiry will investigate the cause of the accident.
- India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his grief and praised the pilot’s bravery and service.
- Meanwhile, some Pakistani analysts have framed the crash as a setback for India’s aerospace ambitions, with debates resurfacing around the Tejas programme.
