The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi has lowered its flag to half-mast in mourning after a helicopter crash claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and other high-ranking officials.
The fatal crash occurred on Sunday in the Dizmar forest, located between Varzaqan and Jolfa in East Azarbaijan Province.
State media Press TV reported that the helicopter went down in poor weather conditions as President Raisi was returning from a visit to Azerbaijan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media platform X, highlighting Raisi’s contributions to strengthening India-Iran relations.
“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. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow,” Modi tweeted.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed his shock and sorrow over the deaths of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian.
He recalled his meetings with the two leaders earlier this year. “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. Recall my many meetings with them, most recently in January 2024. Our condolences to their families. We stand with the people of Iran at this time of tragedy,” Jaishankar posted on X.
In the wake of this tragic event, condolences have poured in from around the world.
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Khansari also conveyed his sorrow, referring to the incident as "painful" and expressing his condolences on the “martyrdom” of his successor, Hossein Amirabdollahian, and President Raisi. Zarif, in a heartfelt post on Instagram, described Amirabdollahian as “my dear brother.”
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