NewsGate Press Network

India has declared one-day National Mourning  – to be observed on Tuesday the 21st of May 2024 –  as a mark of respect in memory of tragic demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash.

Iran also lost its Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian who was a co-passenger with President Raisi.

The tragic incident took place in the Dizmar forest, nestled between the cities of Varzaqan and Jolfa in East Azarbaijan Province, state media outlet Press TV reported.

The Iranian President was on return flight from a visit to Azerbaijan when his helicopter crashed in bad weather.

Earlier on Monday, the Iranian state media IRNA shared drone footage shot by the Red Crescent showing the wreckage of the crashed helicopter. News outlet Tasnim, which is affiliated with the country’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, reported that Raisi’s funeral will be held tomorrow in Tabriz

In New Delhi, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated the National flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country on all buildings where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on 21st of May.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a fatal helicopter crash.
In a post on social media the prime minister acknowledged Raisi’s contribution in strengthening the India-Iran bilateral relationship.
“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,” PM tweeted.