Global Condolences Pour In After Air India AI171 Crash in Ahmedabad Claims Over 240 Lives
Ahmedabad/New Delhi – In the wake of the catastrophic crash of Air India’s flight AI171, leaders from across the globe have expressed sorrow and solidarity with India. The Dreamliner aircraft, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport with 242 people on board, including 169 Indian nationals and 53 British citizens, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon.
The crash near the Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad triggered an unprecedented emergency response. While rescue operations are ongoing, international messages of sympathy have begun flooding in as the world reacts to one of India’s worst aviation tragedies in recent memory.
Putin, von der Leyen, Zelensky Lead International Messages of Sympathy
Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his condolences directly to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing solidarity with India in this time of grief.
“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,” Putin said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the incident “heartbreaking,” extending Europe’s support:
“My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss. We share your pain. Dear Narendra Modi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also shared a heartfelt message:
“My deepest condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. Our thoughts are with the victims’ relatives in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and for the swift recovery of the injured.”
UK Leaders React as 53 British Nationals Feared Dead
With 53 British nationals on board, the crash has deeply impacted the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "devastating":
“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane crashing in Ahmedabad are devastating. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Defence Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the UK is coordinating with Indian authorities:
“The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support.”
British MP Priti Patel called for swift government action:
“As further information comes forward, the Government needs to ensure it is working with Indian authorities to support British families affected.”
Maldives, Israel, China, US, and Others Express Solidarity
From South Asia to the Americas, governments have reached out to India in support:
- Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu posted:
“At this difficult time, the government and people of Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and Government of India.”
- Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel offered prayers and commended emergency responders:
“Our thoughts are with the injured and all those impacted, including the emergency responders working tirelessly at the scene.”
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar tweeted:
“Our hearts are with the Indian people following this terrible incident.”
- Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, wrote:
“We stand in solidarity with all those affected in this difficult time.”
- Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said:
“We hope for strength and healing in the days ahead.”
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US Chargé d’Affaires Jorgan Andrews, on behalf of the U.S. Mission in India, added:
“Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with the families who have been affected by this horrific tragedy.”
The World Watches India Grieve
As the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India investigate the cause of the crash, nations continue to express support. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft—a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—lost altitude shortly after takeoff. The aircraft had been in service since 2014.
While full casualty figures remain unconfirmed, authorities fear a significant death toll, with only a handful of survivors rescued so far. Emergency services continue to work around the clock.
A Moment of Global Mourning
This tragic crash has not only shocked India but also deeply impacted families across continents. The fact that the passengers included citizens from the UK, Canada, Portugal, and India has made the grief truly global.
As the investigation proceeds and recovery operations continue, one thing is clear: India is not mourning alone.