Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Britain’s King Charles III following the tragic crash of a London-bound Air India flight that claimed over 260 lives.
Xi Jinping mourns loss of lives in Air India crash
Only one survivor, a British national, among 242 onboard
Global leaders unite in grief and support
According to China’s official Xinhua news agency, President Xi also sent his sympathies to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing deep sorrow over the devastating aviation tragedy. The ill-fated flight, a Boeing 787-8, had taken off from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it crashed shortly after takeoff.
Among those on board were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Miraculously, only one person survived—Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a British national.
This heartbreaking incident has triggered a wave of global condolences. Leaders across continents have voiced solidarity and sympathy with the grieving families. In addition to the passengers, several people were killed or injured on the ground, as the aircraft slammed into a doctor’s hostel in a residential zone of Ahmedabad, amplifying the scale of the catastrophe.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the crash "devastating," noting that many of the victims were British citizens, and said his "thoughts and heart" are with those affected.
King Charles III, in a message on X, expressed,
"My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with the families and friends of all those impacted by this appallingly tragic event across so many nations."
US President Donald Trump called it "one of the worst disasters in aviation history" and offered support to India:
"It was terrible. I’ve already told them—whatever help India needs, we’re ready. It’s a strong country, and I’m sure they’ll handle this with resilience,” he said at the White House.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his sorrow, acknowledging that a Canadian national was on board.
"I’m devastated by the news. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on that flight. Canadian transportation officials are working closely with their Indian counterparts, and I am receiving constant updates as the situation unfolds," he posted on social media.
Description:
"World leaders, including Xi Jinping, King Charles III, Donald Trump, and Mark Carney, express grief after the Air India flight crash from Ahmedabad to London leaves over 260 dead and just one survivor. The crash, among India’s worst aviation disasters, has drawn global sympathy and offers of support."