World leaders convey deep condolences after devastating train accident in Odisha

Several top world leaders and heads of international organisations continue to send their condolences to India after a horrific train accident claimed hundreds of lives in Odisha’s Balasore late Friday night.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a condolence message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his sadness over the deadly train collision.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that his country stands in solidarity with the people of India in this tragic moment.

“My deepest condolences to President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi and the people of India after the tragic train accident in Odisha. France stands in solidarity with you. My thoughts are with the families of the victims,” tweeted Macron.

In their condolence messages to PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Foreign Minister Hayashi expressed their grief to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and people, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured,” said Kishida.

The US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, who is currently in Singapore and due to arrive in New Delhi soon, said that he is “deeply saddened” to hear of the tragedy in Balasore.

“Our hearts go out to our partners in India. I will convey our condolences in person when I meet with senior leaders in India in the coming days,” Austin tweeted.

Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering also sent prayers to PM Modi and the people of India after the tragic train crash in Odisha.

“May the loved ones find strength, as they come to terms with the loss and horror. We share your pain and pray for quick healing,” he said.

Earlier, Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, who was in Indore on Saturday, conveyed his condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.

“I’m saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji,  Government, and the bereaved families at this hour of grief,” tweeted Dahal’s office.

Csaba Korosi, the current President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), expressed “heartfelt condolences” on behalf of the world’s largest international organisation.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India,” tweeted Korosi.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and the US State Department also took to Twitter to express their deep condolences.

“On behalf of the US Mission in India, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic train accident in Balasore. We stand with India and the people of Odisha in this time of grief,” said Garcetti.

“Deeply saddened by a tragic train crash in eastern India with reports of many injured or dead. Our deepest sympathies to all those facing the loss of their loved ones,” added the US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA).

Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid said he was “deeply saddened” to hear the news of the tragic train accident in Odisha, leading to loss of lives and injuries to many.

“My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and praying for a speedy recovery to the injured,” tweeted Shahid.

Terming the train crash in India as “devastating”, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong sent deepests sympathies from the government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“We send our deepest sympathies following the devastating train crash in India’s eastern Odisha state. Our thoughts are also with the many injured, and with the emergency personnel working to assist them,” tweeted Wong.

Hiroshi Suzuki, the Ambassador of Japan to India, hoped that the rescue efforts will save those who are missing as soon as possible.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic losses caused by the railway accident in Odisha. I express my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones and extend my sympathy to those affected. I hope that rescue efforts will save those who are missing as soon as possible,” said Suzuki.

The Chinese Embassy in India also offered Bejing’s condolences to the victims of the train crash.

“Our deep condolences to the victims and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured in Balasore train accident. Wish the injured recover soon,” it tweeted.