‘Devastating and heartbreaking’ – world leaders express shock over Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad

World leaders reacted to the tragic Air India flight crash in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on 12 June, calling the accident ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘devastating.’ 

From UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Russian President Vladimir Putin, a host of global leaders expressed shock over the plane crash with 242 passengers on board near Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was among the first leaders to react. Starmer said that the scenes of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad were devastating.

“I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” Starmer said.

Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, echoed Starmer's thought on the tragic accident.  “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 in a post on X.

“Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds,” the Canadian premier added. 

An Air India Boeing 787 aircraft carrying 242 passengers crashed near Meghani Nagar, close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on 12 June. The flight was scheduled from Ahmedabad to Gatwick.

Vladimir Putin's Message 

President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolences to President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. “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 said. 

Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov also reacted to the tragic crash. Heartbreaking news is coming from Ahmedabad. “My heartfelt sympathy to the families and near ones of the victims and to all Indian people and the Government of India over this tragic major catastrophe,” Alipov said in a post on X.

Air India confirmed the nationalities of those on board the crashed flight, including 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese and one Canadian. Among those on board was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. An official confirmation about the passengers is, however, awaited.

PM Modi speaks to Civil Aviation Ministers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, and took stock of the Air India flight crash incident in Ahmedabad, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on 12 June.

The Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground, the statement from the ministry said.

Modi also shared his thoughts on the accident in a post on X.

Among other leaders to express solidarity over the loss with India included Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Singapore, Lawrence Wong, Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Sri Lankan Minister Vijitha Herath, to name a few.

Europe stands in solidarity

“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” he said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also shared deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving the ‘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,” she said in a post on X.

Ukrainian President Volodumyr Zelensky called the passenger plane crash ‘horrible’ news. “My deepest condolences to Prime Minister Modi and the entire people of India on this tragic day,” he said in a post on X.