Why Are World Leaders Mourning the Air India Plane Crash?

Jerusalem/New Delhi, June 12 (NationPress) Global leaders are expressing their sincere condolences and profound sorrow following the devastating crash of Air India flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The aircraft, bound for London and carrying more than 200 individuals, tragically went down shortly after takeoff near Meghani Nagar.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed his sympathies via X, stating, "To my friend PM Narendra Modi and the people of India, I was heartbroken to hear about the tragic Air India crash that has claimed the lives of 242 men, women, and children. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims."

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, noting the additional civilian casualties on the ground are equally tragic.

"I am profoundly saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all affected. Equally heartbreaking are the civilian casualties on the ground, including young medical students whose futures have been cut short by this tragedy. In this time of profound grief, the people of Sri Lanka stand with India. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted," Dissanayake shared on X.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney remarked on the sadness felt in Canada over the crash involving the London-bound Air India plane, which included 242 individuals, one of whom was Canadian.

"Devastated by the news of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers, including one Canadian. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone aboard. Canadian transportation officials are in close contact with their counterparts, and I am receiving regular updates on the response to this tragedy," he stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Canada for the G7 Summit next week. Cyprus, another country on PM Modi's itinerary, also expressed its shock regarding the Ahmedabad air crash.

"Dear PM Narendra Modi, I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and the people of India following the devastating loss of Air India Flight AI171. The people of Cyprus mourn with you. In this time of sorrow, we stand by our Indian friends with solidarity and compassion," said Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who recently visited India, also shared his condolences on X.

"Akshata and I are deeply shocked and distressed by the news of the Air India tragedy. The bond between our nations is unique, and our thoughts and prayers are with the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today," he stated.

At least 169 Indians and 53 British nationals were aboard Air India's flight AI171, headed to Gatwick Airport in London.

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, who had recently hosted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Brussels, expressed his shock and sadness regarding the crash.

"With 242 individuals on board, including many Indian and international passengers, this tragedy affects countless families. Our thoughts are with the victims, the rescuers, and the people of India during this painful time. Belgium stands in solidarity with India and all impacted communities. Our services are closely monitoring developments," he commented.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolence to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi following the passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad.

"Please accept my deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of the passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. Kindly convey my sincere sympathy and support to the victims' families and wish a swift recovery to all injured in this catastrophe," stated Putin.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu also expressed his sorrow and solidarity with the Government and people of India.

"I express profound sadness at the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad. At this challenging time, the government and people of Maldives stand united with the people and the Government of India," Muizzu stated on X.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union, also expressed her shock over the heartbreaking news from India.

"My deepest condolences to the grieving families and loved ones. We share your pain. Dear Narendra Modi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India during this moment of sorrow," she conveyed.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked that the images emerging of a London-bound plane crashing in Ahmedabad are devastating.

"I am being kept informed as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families during this deeply distressing time," he posted on X.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also took to X to share his condolences for the tragic accident.

"Horrible news regarding a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the entire nation on this tragic day. Our thoughts are with all victims’ relatives in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and sorrow on this tragic day. We pray for the survival of as many lives as possible and wish for a swift recovery for those injured," Zelensky posted on X.