ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and global leaders have expressed deep grief and sorrow on the loss of at least 242 lives in a plane crash in India on Thursday.
Just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Air India Flight 171, bound for London, crashed with 242 people on board.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the crash as a “heartbreaking tragedy”. “We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss,” he wrote on X.
Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today.
We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 12, 2025
It may be recalled that India and Pakistan fought a four-day conflict last month in which 70 people were killed, their worst standoff since 1999.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, in a post on X said: Saddened at the crash of Air India flight in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
“Condolences over the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident. Our sympathies are with the families of the victims in this hour of grief,” he said.
Saddened at the crash of Air India flight in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Condolences over the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident. Our sympathies are with the families of the victims in this hour of grief.
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 12, 2025
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, expressing his grief over the tragic incident said: We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all aboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected,” he said on X.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of #AirIndia Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all aboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) June 12, 2025
Former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, said: Saddened to hear a tragic incident occurred earlier today. Where an Air India flight with approximately 240 passengers crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad, India. I express my profound condolences to the people of India.
Saddened to hear a tragic incident occurred earlier today. Where an Air India flight with approximately 240 passengers crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad, India. I express my profound condolences to the people of India.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 12, 2025
Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, reacting to the incident, said: My heartfelt condolences to the families of the precious lives lost in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.
My heartfelt condolences to the families of the precious lives lost in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. This devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India.
— Nawaz Sharif (@NawazSharifMNS) June 12, 2025
“This devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India,” he said.
Global reactions
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.”
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
“I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Britain’s King Charles said on X: “My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.”
A message from His Majesty The King following this morning’s tragic incident in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/H5zb6KlNnf
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 12, 2025
EU President Ursula Von Der Leyen said: Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.
“My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss,” she said.
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
Russian President Vladimir Putin reacted: “Please accept my deep condolences on the tragic consequences of the airliner crash at Ahmedabad airport.”
“Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a swift recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said: We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims’ loved ones and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims’ loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 12, 2025
