PM Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar expressed condolences over the tragic demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Modi stated that Raisi’s contributions to strengthening the India-Iran bilateral relationship will be remembered, offering heartfelt condolences to his family and the Iranian people. Jaishankar, recalling his interactions with Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, expressed deep shock over their passing and extended condolences to their families, affirming India’s solidarity with Iran during this time of tragedy.
The helicopter carrying President Raisi, FM Abdollahian, and other officials made a “hard landing” in the East Azerbaijan province of Iran. The crash occurred near the Sungun copper mine between Jolfa and Varzaghan, approximately 70 km from Tabriz. Among those aboard were Governor Malek Rahmati and Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the Friday prayers leader of Tabriz. Following Raisi’s death, Vice President Mohammad Mokhbe will oversee the country’s affairs until a new president is elected.
