Ebrahim Raisi Death: India Announces One Day State Mourning On May 21

India”s Home Ministry announced a one-day state mourning on May 21, 2024, in honor of the late President of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who tragically died in a helicopter crash. As a mark of respect, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across all buildings where it is regularly displayed, and there will be no official entertainment on that day, the home ministry said in a statement.

The accident, reported earlier by state media, occurred in the northwestern province of East Azarbaijan. The helicopter carrying Raisi, Amir-Abdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, representative of the supreme leader, crashed, leading to an overnight search. Unfortunately, no survivors were found at the crash site, confirmed by Pir-Hossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

Ebrahim Raisi, a significant conservative figure in Iranian politics, had served as president for nearly three years and was seen as a potential successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His career spanned various key roles, including Chief Justice and Attorney General, with notable involvement in the Assembly of Experts and the Astan Quds Razavi. Raisi was recognized for his strong stances against Israel and the United States, as well as his support for Iran’s “resistance” policy and allied groups in the region.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement on the death of Dr Raisi and the foreign minister. “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 relationships will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.