PM Modi & EAM Jaishankar expressed grief over the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed deep condolences over the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who perished in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan. Modi highlighted Raisi’s significant contributions to India-Iran relations. They recalled their last meeting during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August 2023, where they discussed enhancing trade, connectivity, energy, and counter-terrorism cooperation. In a heartfelt message, PM Modi stated, “India stands with Iran in its time of sorrow.” He emphasized the importance of their discussions in their last meeting, which aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Iran.

EAM Jaishankar also mourned Raisi’s death, describing it as “shocking” as he expressed his condolences to their families. Ebrahim Raisi, 63, elected President in 2021, was a prominent figure potentially set to succeed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader. Like many senior Iranian officials, his likely successor is the first Vice President, Mohammad Mokhber, who is under US sanctions. According to the Iranian constitution, elections are expected within 50 days.

The helicopter carrying Raisi and several officials crashed in the Dizmar forest between Varzaqan and Jolfa in East Azerbaijan Province. The delegation included Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, Tabriz’s Friday Prayers leader Seyyed Mohammad Ali Al-e Hashem, a bodyguard, and the helicopter’s crew. State media reported nine people on board. Raisi’s team was returning from a ceremony to inaugurate a dam on the Aras River with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.

[Image Source: thediplomat]