'Devastating, Heartbreaking': World Leaders Express Solidarity With India After Ahmedabad Plane Crash

An Air India flight carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members enroute to London from Ahmedabad crashed shortly after take off on Thursday afternoon. As rescue operations got underway following the tragic incident, reactions from world leaders began pouring in, expressing deep shock and anguish over the 'devastating' crash.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among the first leaders to react. He called the scenes emerging of a London-bound plane "devastating" and expressed support with the families of the British nationals who were onboard the flight.

"The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are 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," he wrote in a post on X.

The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are 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.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025

According to Air India, of the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also expressed his support to those affected, saying he was "deeply saddened" by the incident.

"Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,” he said.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended heartfelt condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the tragic passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. According to IANS, Putin expressed deep sympathy for the victims' families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He also conveyed Russia’s support and solidarity with India following the tragic incident.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to X to voice support for the victims’ relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. He expressed his "deepest condolences" to PM Modi and India, and prayed for the lives of people.

"Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi and the entire people of India on this tragic day. 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 wrote on X.

Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi and the entire people of India on this tragic day. Our thoughts are with all victims’ relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 12, 2025

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu expressed his “profound sadness” at the tragic crash, saying "At this difficult time, the government and people of #Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India.”

I express profound sadness at the tragic crash of @airindia flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad.

At this difficult time, the government and people of #Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India.

— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) June 12, 2025

Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim also said he is “deeply distressed” to learn about the tragic crash. “On behalf of the Government and people of Malaysia, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected. 

We share in India’s sorrow and stand in full solidarity as relief efforts continue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and with everyone mourning this terrible loss,” he said on X. 

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen also expressed solidarity with the people of India in wake of the plane crash in Ahmedabad.

"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," Ursula von der Leyen said on X.

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… https://t.co/jWdKEmGGW1

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 12, 2025

Former Nepal prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda too said he is “deeply saddened” by the tragic plane crash. In a post on X, he said: “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Nepal stands in solidarity with India in this moment of grief."