Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
HARARE – THE government has expressed its condolence to the people of India following the tragic Air India plane crash that claimed at least 270 lives in Ahmedabad last week.
On behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira signed the book of condolence at the Indian Embassy in Harare this Wednesday in remembrance of the victims from the fatal air crash.
“We learnt with deep sorrow of the aviation accident that occurred in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025, involving an Air India passenger flight carrying 242 people. Tragically, only one person survived, and with additional casualties on the ground, the death toll now stands at 270,” he said.
“On behalf of His Excellency, President Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe, we have signed the condolence book to express our heartfelt sympathy. Zimbabwe and India enjoy excellent bilateral relations, and we stand with India in mourning this tragic loss. We hope our solidarity will provide strength and fortitude to the Indian people during this difficult time.”
India’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Bramha Kumar, expressed appreciation for the messages of support and solidarity received from President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Zimbabwean people.
“The response from Zimbabwe has been incredibly supportive. It was a very tragic and fatal incident, among the most serious air crashes in India’s aviation history. We received condolence messages from the highest levels of government, including His Excellency the President, on the very same day of the tragedy. Today’s visit by the Honourable Foreign Minister further illustrates the strong and enduring ties between our two nations. We are grateful for Zimbabwe’s solidarity during this time of mourning.”
The Air India A1-171 flight, which was bound for London, crashed shortly after taking off.
The cause of the crash is not yet known, and officials are still trying to decode the cockpit voice and the slightest information they can get from flight data recorders.
