Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 —

Following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, Dr. K.A. Paul, founder of the Global Peace Initiative, has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, including the possibility of a terrorist plot.

The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, slamming into a residential neighborhood in Meghani Nagar. All 242 people on board — including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and the entire crew — lost their lives in the disaster.

Calling the crash a “catastrophe of international proportions,” Dr. Paul emphasized that the tragedy should not be hastily labeled a technical failure without exploring other potential causes. Drawing on his 40 years of experience in international travel and aviation-related matters, he flagged concerns about possible security breaches, including baggage tampering or remotely triggered explosives.

“This is not the kind of incident we can afford to treat routinely. The magnitude of the loss, both human and symbolic, demands a meticulous investigation—covering every possible angle: legal, political, and technical,” Dr. Paul said.

He further warned that dismissing early warning signs or gaps in airport security could severely impact India’s credibility in global aviation, tourism, and diplomacy. A prompt and transparent probe, he said, would not only deliver justice but also help rebuild international trust in India’s aviation systems.

Appealing for solidarity and composure in the wake of the disaster, Dr. Paul called on citizens, officials, and global leaders to work collectively toward uncovering the truth. “Moments like this should not create division,” he said, “but inspire us to come together for justice, security, and lasting peace.”