The Air India flight AI171 crash while heading to London from Ahmedabad has witnessed an international outpour of condolence and support. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 individuals on board, out of which were 169 Indian citizens, crashed minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and left more than 200 dead.
World leaders and foreign missions from nations such as the UK, US, France, Russia, and others offered deepest condolences to India after the horrific tragedy.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the situation as ‘devastating’ and expressed his sympathies to the bereaved families. “My thoughts are with the passengers and their families during this deeply upsetting time,” he posted on X, admitting that British nationals were on board the flight.
Russia also released a statement in the name of President Vladimir Putin via the Kremlin: “Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad.” The statement conveyed “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.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the news ‘horrible’, saying, “Our thoughts are with all victims’ relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada.” He spoke of condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and wished as many as possible to survive, saying, “Ukraine shares in the shock and grief of this tragic day.”
French President Emmanuel Macron referred to the event as heartbreaking and stated, “In these moments of suffering, I send our thoughts to the victims’ loved ones as well as to PM @NarendraModi.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed the same sentiments, saying, “On behalf of the Italian Government and myself, I express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and our full solidarity with the Indian people in this moment of great sorrow.”
Neighbouring Countries Join in Mourning
Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said ‘deep sorrow’ over the crash, promising India solidarity from his country. Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus also sent condolences from the heart.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen called the accident ‘heartbreaking’. She stated, “Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this time of grief.
French Ambassador Thierry Mathou also shared these feelings and said, “France is deeply saddened by news of an aircraft crash in #Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov tweeted, “My deepest sympathy to families and close ones of the victims and to all Indians and Government of India on this tragic big tragedy!”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar spoke in condolence, adding, “Our hearts are with the Indian people after this horrific accident.”
The US Consulate in Mumbai also confirmed the crash. It tweeted, “We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad today, June 12, 2025… If you are in the affected area and in need of immediate emergency services, please contact local authorities.”
The UK Embassy confirmed the flight was bound for London and added, “We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
Ongoing Investigation and Response
Flight AI171, which departed Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM, crashed only minutes later. Although Air India officials have not finalized the number of fatalities, the airline said that injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals. The reason for the crash is still under investigation.
Emergency responders are still stationed at the site, and a formal investigation was initiated by India’s Civil Aviation Ministry.