Ahmedabad Plane Crash: British Envoy Meets PM Modi; Lauds Work Of Tireless First Responders

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to offer condolences and reaffirm the United Kingdom’s cooperation in the probe into Thursday’s devastating Ahmedabad plane crash.

The meeting took place during PM Modi’s visit to the crash site and a review session he chaired with senior officials to monitor ongoing relief and recovery operations.

Cameron further expressed appreciation for the first responders in Ahmedabad and confirmed the UK is working with Indian authorities to uncover the facts behind the crash.

Cameron visits site, offers consular support

Taking to X, Cameron posted, “I met with Prime Minister @narendramodi this morning. We shared condolences in the face of this tragic accident, and I offered my thanks for the work of tireless first responders here in Ahmedabad. The UK and India are working together to establish the facts. We stand ready to support the families and friends of affected British Nationals – please consult our Travel Advice for updates and contact us on the 24/7 consular helpline: +91 (11) 24192100 (in India) +44 (0) 20 7008 5000 (in the UK).”

Flight AI-171, operated by Air India on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed on June 12 shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad en route to Gatwick Airport, London.

The aircraft fell into a densely populated area near BJ Medical College, killing 241 of 242 people on board. The sole survivor, a British national of Indian origin, remains under medical care.

Among the victims were 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has, however, been working closely with the affected nations to assist with identification, repatriation, and family coordination.

UK sends experts to assist Indian probe

The United Kingdom’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) formally offered help in the investigation led by Indian authorities. The AAIB will, however, provide expert assistance under ICAO Annex 13 provisions, as British nationals were on board.

“We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India,” the AAIB stated. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident.”

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar remains in contact with his counterparts from the UK, Portugal, and Canada.

UK’s Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, also confirmed the AAIB deployment.

Taking to X, she posted, “As part of the UK’s ongoing support in relation to today’s tragic incident, the @aaibgovuk will deploy a team to India to support the Indian Authorities in their investigation. I continue to receive regular updates on developments, and my thoughts remain with everyone involved.”

Cameron visited the site and hospital in Ahmedabad. She said the British government was actively gathering information and offering full consular support.

The UK Foreign Office further urged concerned families to contact emergency helplines for updates.

The AAIB’s experts from operations, engineering, data analysis, and human factors will, however, assist in the technical investigation to determine the cause of the Ahmedabad plane crash.

Also Read: ‘I Still Don’t Know How I Made It Out Alive’: Survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh Recounts Horror Of Air India Crash