Narendra Modi expresses 'sadness' over loss of lives in US aviation tragedy

Mourning the loss of lives in the tragedy, Modi wrote on X: "Deeply saddened by loss of lives in the tragic collision in Washington DC."

"Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims," he said.

"We stand in solidarity with the people of the United States," the Indian PM wrote tagging US President Donald Trump.

Sixty-four passengers were abroad on the American Airlines plane which hit an Army Black Hawk helicopter that was on a training mission flight.

Three soldiers were present in the helicopter.

Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of 28 people so far.

Meanwhile, the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder — known as black boxes — from the American Airlines plane have now been recovered, the National Transportation Safety Board told CNN.

Donald Trump reacts to aviation tragedy

Reacting to the aviation mishap in Washington DC, President Donald Trump blamed diversity policies implemented during the administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden for compromising air safety standards.

The President claimed that these initiatives prioritised policy over safety, stating, "I put safety first. Obama, Biden, and the Democrats put policy first."

He said: "They actually came out with a directive: 'too white.' And we want the people that are competent".

President Trump assured the American people it is safe to fly stating: "We have the safest flying anywhere in the world — and we'll keep it that way."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s hiring practices have been under scrutiny, with some critics arguing that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs can be discriminatory.

However, supporters of these initiatives contend that they address historical and ongoing discrimination against underrepresented groups, including racial minorities.