PM Narendra Modi reacts to Iran president Ebrahim Raisi’s death

May 20, 2024

0 2 minutes read

PM Narendra Modi reacts to Iran president Ebrahim Raisi's death ByHT News Desk May 20, 2024 11:04 AM IST

PM Narendra Modi extended condolences to Ebrahim Raisi's family and the people of Iran.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reacted to Iran president Ebrahim Raisi's death, saying his contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered.

"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," PM Modi wrote on X.

Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India's general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now!

Ebrahim Raisi was found dead a day after his helicopter went missing. He reportedly died in a chopper crash in the mountainous region of the country.

Along with Raisi, Iran's foreign minister, officials and bodyguards also died in the chopper crash.

"The servant of the Iranian nation, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi has achieved the highest level of martyrdom whilst serving the people," state television said Monday, with Mehr news agency also saying he was dead.

Iranian authorities had been searching for the missing chopper since Sunday afternoon.

According to reports, nine people, including Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, died in the crash, which took place in Iran's East Azerbaijan province.

The Iranian media had reported that there was no sign of the passengers being alive.

Ebrahim Raisi had been flying in a convoy of three helicopters; only two reached their destination. He had visited the northwestern province to inaugurate a dam project together with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in Jolfa.

Raisi, a staunch conservative, was expected to succeed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is in his 80s.

Ebrahim Raisi had been the president of Iran since 2021. He succeeded moderate president, Hassan Rouhani.

Under his rule, massive civil protests exploded across the country after the death of Iranian-Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for flouting the Iranian dress code for women.

In his last speech on Sunday, Ebrahim Raisi reiterated his support for Gaza, which has been under attack from Israel since last October.

Tell us what your First Vote will stand for in a short video & get a chance to be featured on HT’s social media handles. Click here to know more!
Get Current Updates on India News, Elections 2024, Lok sabha election 2024 voting live , Karnataka election 2024 live in Bengaluru , Election 2024 Date along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

HT News Desk

Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. …view detail