Nepal has expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with India following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday, which killed at least 30 people.

President Ramchandra Paudel said he was “deeply shocked” by the news of the London-bound aircraft’s crash shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad.

“I am deeply shocked learning about the Air India plane mishap in Ahmedabad. I express my profound sorrow over the loss of innocent and precious lives,” President Paudel posted on X shortly after the crash.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said the government of Nepal is “deeply shocked and saddened” by the incident.

“The government and people of Nepal stand in solidarity with the government and people of India, offering heartfelt sympathy while wishing for speedy recovery of the injured,” the statement read.

Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, also extended her sympathies, posting on social media: “I express my sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected. Nepal extends its heartfelt solidarity to India during this difficult time.”

The Air India flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 people aboard, crashed into a residential area subsequently after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport en route to London’s Gatwick Airport.

The plane struck the doctors’ hostel of BJ Medical College, causing a devastating fire and widespread casualties.

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