
Ahmedabad plane crash: UK envoy meets PM Modi, pledges support for British victims
In the aftermath of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. She expressed solidarity and praised the first responders for their swift and tireless efforts at the crash site.
The meeting occurred as PM Modi visited the crash zone and chaired a high-level review meeting on ongoing relief efforts. Cameron reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting the investigation and aiding families affected by the disaster. “The UK and India are working together to establish the facts. We stand ready to support the families of affected British nationals,” she posted on X.
Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, killing 241 of 242 onboard. The only survivor, a British national of Indian origin, is under medical care. Among the deceased were 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with foreign governments to assist with identification, repatriation, and communication with bereaved families.
The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has officially offered support to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in compliance with international aviation protocols. The United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also extended assistance.
UK Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, confirmed that a UK team will assist the Indian-led investigation. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident,” she said.
The British consulate continues to update travel advice and has urged concerned citizens to use the 24/7 consular helpline.