Tragic Air India Crash: Global Leaders Extend Condolences as Death Toll Rises

Minister Jaishankar Reaches Out to Global Counterparts

New Delhi: On Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that he has been in communication with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, as well as his counterparts from Canada and Portugal, regarding the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.

The ill-fated flight was carrying 241 individuals, including 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. Tragically, the crash resulted in the loss of 241 lives, with only one survivor currently receiving medical attention for injuries sustained during the incident.

Jaishankar expressed his condolences and offered support through a post on X, stating, "In touch with FS @DavidLammy of the UK, FM @PauloRangel_pt of Portugal and FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash. Expressed our profound condolences and offered fullest support in this hour of grief."

The Air India aircraft, a Boeing 737 Dreamliner, crashed into a medical college complex shortly after takeoff, igniting a massive fireball. This incident marks one of the deadliest air disasters in the country’s history, claiming at least 265 lives, including several individuals on the ground.

At the time of the tragedy, Jaishankar was on an official visit in Europe.