World leaders express deep grief after Air India flight AI171 crashes in Ahmedabad with 242 on board. Condolences pour in from Russia, UK, US, Canada, EU, and others. Global solidarity follows the devastating loss of lives in one of India’s worst aviation disasters in recent times.
The world stands in mourning following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. Bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, the aircraft was carrying 242 passengers, including 169 Indian nationals and 53 British citizens, when it crashed near the Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad, triggering a massive emergency response.
The crash, one of the most devastating aviation tragedies in recent Indian history, has drawn grief and solidarity from global leaders across continents. As rescue operations continue and the nation reels under shock, heartfelt condolences have flooded in from presidents, prime ministers, diplomats, and international agencies.
Global Leaders Mourn the Loss
Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the first world leaders to express condolences. In his message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin conveyed deep sorrow over the incident. “Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. Kindly convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and near ones of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe,” he stated.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel expressed profound grief and solidarity. “At this difficult time, the government and people of Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India,” Muizzu posted on X.
European Union President Ursula von der Leyen described the news as “heartbreaking.” She offered her condolences to Prime Minister Modi, adding, “Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow.”
From Israel, both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar sent messages of support. Netanyahu said, “To my friend PM Narendra Modi and the people of India, I was saddened to learn of the tragic Air India crash that has taken the lives of 242 men, women and children. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen.”
China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, also joined the international chorus of sympathy. “Our hearts go out to the passengers and their families. We stand in solidarity with all those affected,” he posted.
Deep Concern from Western Allies
The tragedy struck a particularly emotional chord in the United Kingdom, given the number of British nationals aboard. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed shock over the crash, saying, “The scenes emerging are devastating. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
UK Defence Secretary David Lammy echoed the sentiment, confirming the UK is coordinating with Indian authorities to support British families affected. British Conservative MP Priti Patel urged immediate cooperation between the UK and Indian governments to assist grieving families.
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, recently in India on a personal visit, added: “Akshata and I are deeply shocked and distressed by the news. There is a unique bond between our two nations, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged that a Canadian citizen was on board. “Devastated to learn of the crash… My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board,” he stated, adding that Canadian transport officials are coordinating with Indian authorities.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, speaking ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled stopover there en route to the G7 summit, extended heartfelt condolences. “In this time of sorrow, we stand by our Indian friends with solidarity and compassion,” he posted.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered a deeply emotional tribute. “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.”
Solidarity from South Asia and Europe
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the civilian casualties on the ground, including young medical students, which added to the depth of the tragedy. “Equally heartbreaking are the civilian casualties on the ground. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted,” he stated.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot, who recently hosted Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, was “shocked and deeply saddened.” He reaffirmed Belgium’s solidarity with India during this painful time.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry joined global condolences with a message of strength and healing for the victims’ families and the injured.
The US Embassy in India, via Charge d’Affaires Jorgan Andrews, also released a statement. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. We stand with India in this time of grief.”
National Response and Ongoing Investigation
India’s government has launched a high-level inquiry into the cause of the crash. Emergency responders, rescue teams, and medical professionals have been working tirelessly at the site. Prime Minister Modi is expected to address the nation and visit the crash site before heading to the G7 Summit.
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The aviation ministry is coordinating with international agencies to assist affected nationals, particularly those from the UK and Canada. The black box has reportedly been recovered and is under analysis.
As the investigation continues and the death toll is officially confirmed, the world watches in shared sorrow and support. The tragedy has underscored the global connectedness in times of loss and the universal nature of human empathy.
