Peace Under Trial

After decades of bloodshed, displacement, and failed diplomacy, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have taken what appears to be a decisive step toward resolving one of Africa's most persistent and devastating conflicts.

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The recent crash of an Air India Dreamliner in Ahmedabad has not only left a trail of human tragedy but also exposed a deeper question facing India's civil aviation ecosystem: is the country ready to independently investigate and resolve complex air disasters?

The handling of the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, commonly referred to as "black boxes," will serve as a crucial indicator. Both recorders were recovered from the crash site, but their damage in the post-crash fire has complicated the process of data extraction. India has made significant strides in building domestic aviation investigation infrastructure, including the recent inauguration of an upgraded analysis lab in Delhi. Yet it remains unclear whether this facility is fully operational, especially for handling the advanced Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders used on modern aircraft like the Boeing 787.

The uncertainty raises concerns over India's ability to conduct an entirely independent, thorough analysis. Historically, nations with emerging aviation industries have faced similar dilemmas. On the one hand, sending flight recorders abroad—often to the United States or Europe—ensures high-quality analysis backed by decades of technical expertise. On the other, dependence on foreign labs undermines confidence in domestic capability and raises uncomfortable questions about national competence in a sector critical to public trust and international reputation. Any American involvement in analysis will raise uncomfortable questions about outcomes because that country is deeply invested in propping up the floundering manufacturer of the aircraft.