India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow, says Prime Minister Modi
The Government of India has declared a one-day national mourning on Tuesday (May 21, 2024) as a mark of respect to Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash, an official statement said on Monday (May 20, 2024).
 
The National Flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of mourning throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day, the Ministry of Home Affairs said.
 
According to Iran state media, the Iranian President, Foreign Minister and several other officials were found dead after their helicopter crashed in a foggy, mountainous region of the country's northwest on Sunday afternoon. Their bodies were found on Monday after an hours-long search-and-rescue operation which was hampered by poor visibility amid thick fog.
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have expressed their condolences. In their messages, they noted the important role the two leaders have played in strengthening the 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 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," Prime Minister Modi said on X, formerly Twitter. 
 
"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 time of this tragedy," EAM Jaishankar wrote on X.