New Delhi: Grief unites even the staunchest of enemies.
India doesn’t have the best of relationships with Pakistan, nor with China.
However, Friday evening’s horrific triple train crash at Bahanaga Bazar in Odisha’s Balasore district has touched the top leaders of all nations, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Jinping sent messages of condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu over the Odisha train tragedy that killed around 290 people.
Sharif, who is in Ankara to attend the inauguration of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, extended his condolences to families of those who lost their lives.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives in a train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for a speedy recovery of the injured,” the Pakistan PM tweeted.
Check some of the other condolence messages:
Japanese PM Fumio Kishida – “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 its 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.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau — “The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin — “We share the grief of those who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident, and wish a speedy recovery for those injured. Please accept our deep condolences.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz — “I am deeply saddened by the train accident in India with hundreds of dead and injured. My thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families. Germany stands by India in this difficult time.
UK PM Rishi Sunak — “My thoughts and prayers are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with all affected by the tragic events in Odisha. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of those killed, and my heartfelt support and admiration to the survivors and those working tirelessly to respond.
Afghan Foreign Ministry — “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is saddened by the train collision in eastern Odisha State of the Republic of India that has left hundreds dead and injured. MoFA sympathies with the bereaved families of the victims and the injured.”
