May 24, 2010 -- President James Michel has sent a message of condolence to Indian President Pratibja Pathil following a plane crash in southern India in which more than 150 people have been killed.

In the message President Michel said: "It was with profound sadness that we learned of a plane crash that happened in Mangalore, which resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and extensive material damage.

"In the wake of this tragedy, the government and the people of Seychelles join me in expressing our heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences to you, to the government and to the people of India, as well so to the families of the victims.

"Seychelles and India have a special relationship and this was further demonstrated with the holding of the joint commission recently in Victoria and will be highlighted by my visit to India early next month. As a true friend it is natural that we remain steadfast in our support of India in this moment of national grief."