World leaders express condolences to families

Moscow/Ottawa: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney were among scores of world leaders who offered condolences to the people of India in wake of the plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

President Putin offered condolences to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed “deepest condolences,” over the plane crash, the Kremlin said.

“Please convey my sympathy and support to the families of those killed and my wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in the crash,” TASS said, quoting Putin’s message.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said he is “devastated” to learn about the crash that had one Canadian national among those on board.

“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 as the response to this tragedy unfolds,” Carney said in a post on X.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand too called it the “distressing news” as “devastating.”

UN Secretary General Guterres said he is “deeply saddened” by the Air India crash and, in a post on X, offered “heartfelt condolences” to the

families and loved ones of all affected.

“Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss. We share your pain. Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a post on X said he was “saddened” to know of the Air India crash.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen”, he wrote on X.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described it as “horrible news” and offered deepest condolences to Modi and the entire people of India.

“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. We all pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” he posted on X.

US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio too expressed condolences, saying Washington continues to monitor developments and stands with the emergency responders working to help those impacted.

“Heartbroken to hear the news of a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My prayers are with all who lost their loved ones in this horrible incident,” Rubio said in a post on X.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he is following the “shocking images” of the Air India flight crashing in Ahmedabad and said in a post on X: “As we are only learning the details, my thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with our friends in #India and everyone currently hoping for their loved ones.”

Expressing his “profound sadness” at the tragic crash, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu said in a post on X, “At this difficult time, the government and people of #Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India.”

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said he is “deeply saddened” by the tragic crash and offered “heartfelt condolences to the families of all those affected onboard.”