Jerusalem/New Delhi– World leaders are expressing shock, sorrow, and solidarity in response to the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, which went down shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers and crew when it crashed near Meghani Nagar, causing widespread devastation and civilian casualties on the ground.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first to respond, writing on X: “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.”
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also offered condolences, noting the loss of life both on board and in the crash site vicinity. “Equally heartbreaking are the civilian casualties on the ground, including young medical students whose lives and futures were struck by this tragedy. At this moment of deep sorrow, the people of Sri Lanka stand in solidarity with India,” he said.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged that at least one Canadian citizen was among those on board. “Devastated to learn of the crash… My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates,” Carney said. Prime Minister Modi is set to travel to Canada next week for the G7 Summit.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, whose country Modi is also expected to visit en route to the summit, shared his sympathies. “The people of Cyprus mourn with you. In this time of sorrow, we stand by our Indian friends with solidarity and compassion.”
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who recently visited India, expressed his grief alongside his wife, Akshata Murty. “There is a unique bond between our two nations and our thoughts and prayers go out to the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today,” he wrote on X.
According to officials, the passenger manifest included at least 169 Indian nationals and 53 British citizens.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, who had just hosted Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Brussels, called the crash “a tragedy that strikes at the heart of countless families.” He confirmed Belgian authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. “Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad… Sincere sympathy and support to the families and near ones of the victims,” he wrote.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu posted: “At this difficult time, the government and people of Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the incident as “heartbreaking news” and added, “Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was being regularly updated and offered his sympathies to those affected. “The scenes emerging are devastating. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky added his voice to the chorus of condolences, recognizing victims from multiple nations. “Our thoughts are with all victims’ relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada… We all pray for as many lives to be saved as possible.”
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. Rescue operations continue as emergency teams work at the site, and global leaders maintain close contact with Indian authorities. (Source: IANS)
