PM Modi saddened

New Delhi, May 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday expressed deep sadness and shock over the tragic demise of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, and his Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian in a helicopter crash.

PM Modi said the contribution of Syed Ebrahim Raisi in strengthening India-Iran bilateral relations will always be remembered.

He also expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the bereaved and people of Iran.

“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 Modi said in a post on X.

State TV on Monday morning announced there were “no signs of life” at the crash site. Reuters reported the helicopter was “completely burned,” citing an Iranian official.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society located the wreckage of President Raisi’s helicopter, aided by a Turkish Akinci unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Press TV reported that no survivors were found at the crash site.

An official from the Iranian rescue teams stated, “The condition is not good,” according to state news agency IRNA. “Seventy-three rescue teams are present in the search area of the helicopter in Tawal village with advanced and specialized equipment,” he added.

The helicopter crashed on Sunday afternoon while President Raisi was returning to Iran after visiting Azerbaijan. Nine people were on board, including three officials, an imam, and members of the flight and security team, as reported by Tasnim News.

The IRGC-run media outlet Sepah identified the nine individuals as President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Governor of Eastern Azerbaijan province Malek Rahmati, Tabriz’s Friday prayer Imam Mohammad Ali Alehashem, a pilot, co-pilot, crew chief, head of security, and another bodyguard.