NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the Ahmedabad air tragedy that claimed numerous lives, including that of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, calling the incident a “heartbreaking and unimaginable” loss for the nation.
In a visit to the crash site earlier in the day, Modi surveyed the wreckage and met officials and emergency teams engaged in recovery efforts. Later, he visited the injured at a local hospital, including the sole known survivor, and assured them of the country’s full support. The Prime Minister also chaired a high-level review meeting at Ahmedabad Airport to assess the status of ongoing relief measures.
“We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad,” Modi posted on X. “The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come. Om Shanti.”
We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2025
In another post following his on-ground visit, Modi said, “The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy.”
One of the most prominent casualties was Vijay Rupani, who served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021. Modi, who had a long-standing personal and political association with him, said he was “deeply pained” by the loss. “It is unimaginable that Vijaybhai is not in our midst,” he wrote in a tribute on X. “I’ve known him for decades. We worked together, shoulder to shoulder, including during some of the most challenging times. Vijaybhai was humble and hardworking, firmly committed to the Party’s ideology.”
Met the family of Shri Vijaybhai Rupani Ji.
It is unimaginable that Vijaybhai is not in our midst. I’ve known him for decades. We worked together, shoulder to shoulder, including during some of the most challenging times. Vijaybhai was humble and hardworking, firmly committed… pic.twitter.com/KbmDsKtARG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2025
Recalling Rupani’s rise from the Rajkot Municipal Corporation to the state’s top office, Modi said, “In every role assigned, he distinguished himself… He ushered in many measures that enhanced Gujarat’s growth trajectory, particularly in boosting ‘Ease of Living.’”
The Prime Minister met with Rupani’s grieving family during his visit and said the loss would be “personally and politically felt for years to come.”
The Prime Minister assured continued government support for the families affected by the crash and directed officials to ensure that all relief efforts proceed with urgency and compassion.
