Deeply Saddened Shocked: PM Narendra Modi On Iran President Raisi’s Death
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences on Monday following the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. PM Modi highlighted Raisi’s significant role in enhancing the bilateral relationship between India and Iran.
“Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening the India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran,” PM Modi wrote on X.
President Raisi was found dead after his helicopter went missing in the mountainous East Azerbaijan province on Sunday. Alongside Raisi, the crash claimed the lives of Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, senior officials, and bodyguards. In total, nine individuals perished in the crash.
The helicopter crash occurred in the northwestern region of Jolfa, where Raisi had been visiting to inaugurate a dam project with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. Raisi was travelling in a convoy of three helicopters, but only two reached their destination.
Iranian authorities had been searching for the missing helicopter since Sunday afternoon. State television and the Mehr news agency confirmed Raisi’s death, referring to him as having achieved “the highest level of martyrdom whilst serving the people.”
President Raisi, a staunch conservative, had held office since 2021 after succeeding moderate president Hassan Rouhani. His tenure was marked by significant civil unrest, most notably the massive protests following the death of Iranian-Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for violating the Iranian dress code for women.
In what would be his final speech on Sunday, President Raisi reiterated his support for Gaza amid ongoing conflict with Israel since last October. Raisi was also seen as a likely successor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is in his 80s.
The death of President Raisi leaves a significant void in Iranian leadership. Supreme Leader Khamenei has announced that First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will serve as acting president until new elections are held within 50 days. A five-day period of public mourning has been declared in Iran to honor the deceased leaders.
The international community, alongside the Iranian populace, mourns this sudden loss and anticipates further developments as Iran navigates this period of transition and uncertainty.
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