The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its solidarity with India and conveyed heartfelt condolences over the tragic deaths of five Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel in the AN-32 transport aircraft crash in Assam. The incident occurred on June 13 at the Jorhat Air Force Station.
UAE Ministry's Statement of Sympathy
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement extending sincere sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of India. The ministry expressed deep grief over the tragic incident, highlighting the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations.
In a post on its official X account, the ministry wrote: "The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the Republic of India over the victims of an air force plane crash in Assam state, which resulted in the deaths of several soldiers." The post further added: "In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of the Republic of India over this tragedy."
Details of the Crash
The AN-32 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on June 13. According to reports, the accident occurred when the aircraft was attempting to land at the Jorhat airfield at around 10:00 am. The Indian Air Force confirmed that five personnel lost their lives in the crash during the landing attempt.
The deceased personnel have been identified as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat, and Agniveervayu Danish Alam. Their sacrifice has been mourned across the nation.
Background on the AN-32 Aircraft
The AN-32 is a twin-engine military transport aircraft that has been extensively used by the Indian Air Force for logistics, cargo transportation, and operational support missions across diverse terrains, including high-altitude and remote regions. It has been a workhorse for the IAF for decades.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the IAF is considering replacing its ageing AN-32 and IL-76 transport aircraft with the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. This initiative aims to meet future strategic, tactical, and operational airlift requirements, ensuring enhanced capabilities for the force.
