Ebrahim Raisi helicopter crash: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed profound grief on Monday over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the foreign minister, and other high-ranking officials. According to the state media, no survivors were found after the ill-fated helicopter carrying the President and others crashed on Saturday.
In a social media post, the Prime Minister lauded his contribution in building the relations between both countries and added India stood with Iran in a time of sorrow.
"Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow," PM Modi wrote on social media platform, X.
Besides, PM Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also condoled the sudden demise of the President and his Iranian counterpart Amir-Abdollahian in the helicopter crash. The Indian foreign minister recalled his last meeting with Raisi and Abdollahian in January this year and echoed New Delhi stood with the people of Iran at the time of this tragedy.
"Deeply shocked to hear of the passing away of Iran’s President Dr Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister H. Amir-Abdollahian in the helicopter crash," Jaishankar wrote on X.
"Recall my many meetings with them, most recently in January 2024. Our condolences to their families. We stand with the people of Iran at the time of this tragedy," he added.
Iran President killed in helicopter crash
Raisi, a hardliner long seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border, state media said on Monday.
The charred wreckage of the helicopter which crashed on Sunday carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was found early on Monday after an overnight search in blizzard conditions.
Raisi's death was later confirmed in a statement on social media by Vice President Mohsen Mansouri and on state television.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate power with a final say on foreign policy and Iran's nuclear program, had earlier sought to reassure Iranians, saying there would be no disruption to state affairs.
(With inputs from agency)
