India has declared a one-day state mourning on Tuesday, May 21, to honor the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically died in a helicopter crash.
India Mourns Iranian President Raisi
The Indian government announced that the country will observe state mourning on May 21 to mark the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, officials confirmed on Monday.
"In light of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the Foreign Minister, the Government of India has declared a one-day state mourning on May 21 across the nation," stated the Home Ministry.
"During the mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is regularly displayed, and no official entertainment will take place," the ministry added.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's Legacy
President Ebrahim Raisi, known for his close alignment with Iran's supreme leader and his involvement in the mass executions of 1988, as well as leading Iran’s controversial uranium enrichment program, has passed away at the age of 63. Raisi was also noted for orchestrating a major attack on Israel and faced significant internal protests.
Following the confirmation of Raisi's death, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media. Modi stated that he was "deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise" of Raisi, and affirmed that "India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow."
Details of the Accident and Raisi's Political Journey
The fatal helicopter accident, which also took the lives of the foreign minister and other officials, occurred in northwestern Iran on Sunday. Raisi's death comes amid internal unrest and tense international relations for Iran. Initially a cleric, Raisi’s demeanor was more akin to a preacher, famously kissing the Quran at the United Nations.
After losing the 2017 presidential election to the more moderate Hassan Rouhani, Raisi rose to power four years later in an election managed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ensured the removal of major opposition candidates.
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