Air India crash: How UK PM Starmer, Nawaz Sharif and other global leaders reacted

Ahmedabad plane crash

A London-bound Boeing Dreamliner operated by Air India crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all 242 people on board. The victims included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the Air India plane crash, saying the accident is "heartbreaking beyond words".

"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," he shared on his X account.

The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025

Global condolences from the United Kingdom, Russia, the United States, France, and other countries have expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with India in the wake of the tragedy.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended condolences to the families of those involved in the Ahmedabad plane crash and said he is being kept updated as the situation develops and termed the tragedy ‘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

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives 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

Britain's King Charles extended his condolences following the tragic incident in Ahmedabad.

A message from His Majesty The King following this mornings tragic incident in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/H5zb6KlNnfThe Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 12, 2025

Ursula von der Leyen offered her heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones mourning this tragic loss.

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

Heartbreaking news is coming from Ahmedabad. My heartfelt sympathy to the families and near ones of the victims and to all Indian people and the Government of India over this tragic major catastrophe!Denis Alipov (@AmbRus_India) June 12, 2025

French Ambassador Thierry Mathou echoed the sentiment, saying, “France is deeply saddened by reports of a plane crash in #Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. We express our full solidarity at this difficult time."

France is deeply saddened by reports of a plane crash in #Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. We express our full solidarity at this difficult time. Thierry Mathou (@thierry_mathou) June 12, 2025

The US Consulate in Mumbai acknowledged the crash and advised American citizens in the region to check in with loved ones.

We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad today June 12, 2025. We urge U.S. citizens in the affected areas who are safe to contact their loved ones directly and/or update their status on social media. If you are in the affected area and need immediate emergency services,U.S. Consulate Mumbai (@USAndMumbai) June 12, 2025

The UK Embassy confirmed that the flight was headed 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."

We are aware that a flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Ahmedabad airport.We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected.https://t.co/F4EhI9H9Qx UK in India (@UKinIndia) June 12, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India over the plane crash in Ahmedabad.

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 andVolodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) June 12, 2025

High Commission of Canada expresses deepest condolences following the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.

The High Commission of Canada expresses our deepest condolences following the tragic plane crash in #Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. Canada in India (@CanadainIndia) June 12, 2025

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed deep concern over the Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

We are following the shocking images of an Air India flight crashing after departure in Ahmedabad. 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.Johann Wadephul (@AussenMinDE) June 12, 2025

The aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1:39 pm from runway 23. It crashed in just five minutes after take off, according to details shared by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).