From Putin to Sharif, world leaders mourn casualties in Odisha tragedy

In a statement, Biden says he was ‘heartbroken’ by casualties in Balasore train tragedy

NEW DELHI | Updated: 04 June, 2023 3:51 pm IST

NEW DELHI: From US President Joe Biden to Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif, many world leaders have expressed condolences and solidarity with people of India over the deadly train accident that killed nearly 300 and injured hundreds others in Odisha on Friday.

In a statement, President Biden expressed his deep sorrow, stating that he was “heartbroken” by the news of the deadliest rail accident in India in more than three decades.

“Our prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones and the many who suffered injuries in this terrible incident. The United States stands in solidarity with India during this difficult time, as the recovery efforts continue,” reads his statement released by the White House.

Prime ministers of Canada and Nepal, the President of Russia and Taiwan among others conveyed their condolences.

Indian workers restore railway lines damaged by Friday’s deadly accident in Balasore, Odisha. 

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida tweeted, “PM Modi @narendramodi, 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 to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.”

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The Russian foreign ministry shared President Putin’s message of condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi, expressing solidarity and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.

The Embassy of China in New Delhi tweeted that President Xi Jinping sent messages of condolence to President Murmu and PM Modi, while Canadian PM Justin Trudeau expressed his heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones in the train crash, stating, “At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India.”

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President Tsai Ing-Wen of Taiwan offered her prayers for everyone affected by the train accident, and Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal extended deep condolences to PM Modi and the bereaved families.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto, offered their condolences for the loss of lives and expressed their prayers for the injured.

External affairs minister Dr Jaishankar expressed gratitude to global partners for their messages of sympathy, stating, “Their solidarity at this time of grief is a source of strength.”

Prime Minister Modi also expressed his gratitude for the condolences from world leaders, acknowledging that their kind words would provide strength to the bereaved families.

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