MH17 crash: President Pranab Mukherjee conveys sympathy to King of Malaysia

President Pranab Mukherjee has deeply condoled the crash of the Malaysian Airlines passenger jet in eastern Ukraine and expressed grief and sympathy over the tragedy which has claimed 298 lives.

In a message to the King of Malaysia, Abdul Halim, the President said, "I wish to convey my sincere grief and sympathy to the government and people of Malaysia on the crash of the Malaysian Airlines flight in eastern Ukraine yesterday leading to the loss of so many precious lives.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the nationals of Malaysia and other countries who lost their lives in this tragic incident," he said. Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 crashed after it was shot down by suspected pro-Russian Ukraine rebels, killing all 298 people on board.