World leaders have expressed deep condolences and support for India following the tragic crash of a London-bound Air India flight in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members when it crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff. Multiple fatalities are feared.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian PM Mark Carney, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, former Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have all conveyed their condolences and solidarity.
“Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss. We share your pain. Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow,” von der Leyen posted on X.
President Muizzu expressed “profound sadness” over the incident.
“At this difficult time, the government and people of #Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India,” he said on X.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also reacted to the tragedy, saying, “On behalf of the Government and people of Malaysia, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected. We share in India’s sorrow and stand in full solidarity as relief efforts continue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and with everyone mourning this terrible loss.”
From Nepal, Prachanda posted: “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Nepal stands in solidarity with India in this moment of grief.”
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin sent an official message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating: “Please accept my deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of the plane crash at Ahmedabad Airport.
Please convey my sympathy and support to the families of those killed and my wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in the crash.”
The crash has also drawn reactions from the United Kingdom, as 53 British nationals were among those onboard. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “devastating.”
"The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” he said.
"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time."
Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III is being regularly informed of developments.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy shared his condolences and support, writing on X: “Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support.”
He added that crisis teams have been deployed in both Delhi and London.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also extended condolences to PM Modi and affected nations.
"Our thoughts are with all victims’ relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and grief on this tragic day", he posted on X.
Canadian PM Mark Carney also reacted on the tragic plane crash.
"Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers — including one Canadian. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board", he said.
UN Secretary General Guterres said he is “deeply saddened” by the Air India crash and, in a post on X, offered “heartfelt condolences” to the families and loved ones of all affected.
US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio too expressed condolences, saying Washington continues to monitor developments and stands with the emergency responders working to help those impacted.
“Heartbroken to hear the news of a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My prayers are with all who lost their loved ones in this horrible incident,” Rubio said in a post on X.
The ill-fated Air India flight was carrying nationals from India, the UK, Canada, and Portugal. As rescue and recovery operations continue, global support pours in for those affected by the heartbreaking disaster.
