Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound condolences over the tragic demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a fatal helicopter crash. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi acknowledged Raisi’s significant contributions to strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Iran. He tweeted, “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.”
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.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2024
Meanwhile, Exernal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on his X, 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.”
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…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) May 20, 2024
The helicopter carrying Raisi and his delegation crashed on Sunday in the Dizmar forest, situated between the cities of Varzaqan and Jolfa in East Azarbaijan Province, according to state media Press TV. Others aboard included the country’s foreign minister, Amir-Abdollahian, East Azarbaijan Governor, Malek Rahmati, Friday Prayers leader of Tabriz city, Seyyed Mohammad Ali Al-e Hashem, and a member of the president’s security team, Mahdi Mousavi, along with the helicopter’s pilot, co-pilot, and crew.
“Nine individuals were on the helicopter during the crash,” as reported by Tasnim News. Raisi and his delegation were returning from a dam inauguration ceremony on the Aras River with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
“In the wake of the devastating news, the Iranian cabinet convened an emergency session led by Vice President Mohammad Mokhber,” according to Press TV. The tragic accident occurred as Raisi’s chopper encountered heavy fog en route to Tabriz city on Sunday afternoon.
“Reports from Al Jazeera indicated the grim reality of the wreckage, suggesting slim chances of survival in such a catastrophic accident. Iranian authorities mentioned difficulties in identifying the bodies due to severe burns,” as reported by the publication.
“Drone footage captured by the Red Crescent, as shown on state media, depicted the crash site on a steep, wooded hillside, with minimal remnants of the helicopter except for a blue and white tail,” as noted by CNN.
What Is the Chabahar Port Deal?
India and Iran have signed a long-term contract for operating the Shahid-Beheshti Port Terminal in Chabahar. This milestone agreement marks a deepening of ties between the two nations and aims to transform Chabahar Port into a crucial transit hub for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.
Chabahar Port, a flagship project between India and Iran, serves as a crucial transit point for trade with landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. India’s involvement in the development and operation of Chabahar Port underscores its commitment to facilitating trade routes for Indian goods destined for Afghanistan and Central Asia.
