The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi has lowered its flag to half-mast following the tragic deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other high-ranking officials in a helicopter crash. The helicopter, carrying President Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and their delegation, crashed on Sunday in the Dizmar forest between Varzaqan and Jolfa in East Azarbaijan Province, as reported by state media Press TV.
President Raisi was returning to Iran after a visit to Azerbaijan when the helicopter went down due to bad weather conditions on Sunday afternoon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Monday, acknowledging Raisi’s contributions to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relations.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed his condolences, recalling his meetings with Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian earlier this year. He shared on 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 this time of tragedy.”
Following the deaths of the Iranian President and other officials, world leaders have extended their condolences. Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Khansari described the news of the accident as “painful” and expressed his sorrow over the loss of his successor and President Raisi. In an Instagram post, Zarif referred to Amir-Abdollahian as “my dear brother” and wished for peace and patience for the survivors, as well as progress for the Iranian people.