In a significant gesture of respect and solidarity, the Indian Government announced a one-day State mourning to honour Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on May 21. Iran’s top political leaders tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Northwestern Iran. The crash, which also claimed the lives of many other high-ranking officials, has sent shockwaves through the international community.
The Home Affairs Ministry released a statement detailing the arrangements for the day of mourning.
“As a mark of respect to the departed dignitaries, the Indian Government has decided that there will be one day’s state mourning on May 21 throughout Bharat. On the day of mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country. This applies to all buildings where the national flag is flown regularly. There will be no official entertainment on the day,” the statement read.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his condolences and shared his deep shock over the tragic incident.
“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,” Jaishankar wrote on X. He recalled his numerous meetings with the late Iranian leaders, the most recent of which took place in January 2024, and extended his sympathies to their families and the Iranian people.
The helicopter crash, which occurred on Monday, has been extensively covered by Iranian media, highlighting the profound loss of the country’s leadership. The Iranian Government is expected to hold a state funeral, and international reactions have been pouring in, reflecting the global impact of this tragedy.
