The Tricolour atop the Rashtrapati Bhavan dome is flying at half mast on Tuesday to observe a day of national mourning and express solidarity with Israel, following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. As part of the state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across India on Tuesday and all official entertainment and celebrations will be paused during the 24-hour state mourning. India has previously observed national mourning for prominent world leaders as a mark of respect and friendship.






Who Died Alongwith Ebrahim Raisi In The Iran Chopper Crash?


Apart from Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, seven others died in the crash. Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, Governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province Malik Rahmati, representative of the Iranian supreme leader to East Azerbaijan Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-Hashem, head of Raisi’s guard team Sardar Seyed Mehdi Mousavi, the helicopter’s pilot Colonel Seyed Taher Mostafavi, co-pilot Colonel Mohsen Daryanush, and flight technician Major Behrouz Ghadimi, also all perished in the crash.










As soon as the news of the death of Ebrahim Raisi and other officials was confirmed, PM Modi expressed his condolences. "Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said in an X post. Highlighting India-Iran bilateral ties, PM Modi expressed solidarity with the Iranian people: "His contribution to strengthening 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."






Following PM Modi's condolence, India declared a day of national mourning on Tuesday, May 21. "​The Government of India has declared one-day national mourning tomorrow, 21 May 2024 as a mark of respect to H.E. Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and H.E. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash. The National Flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of mourning throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.


So, what happens on a national mourning day and how is it observed?


National mourning is observed to pay homage and express condolences and grief during a tragedy, such as the passing away of a great leader. It's often extended as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with friendly nations in times of sorrow. Days of national mourning are declared by the Centre.



  • On a day of national mourning, the Tricolour is flown at half-mast throughout the country and in Indian missions/embassies abroad.


  • All ceremonies and celebrations are withheld for the period of mourning.


  • In the case of Indian personalities, the government may honour the deceased with a military salute.


  • A half day may be declared for mourning. A full holiday is declared in case the Prime Minister or President passes away.


National Mourning Days Declared By India In Last 5 Years


January 13, 2020: To mark the death of Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said


August 31 to September 6: To mourn the loss of former President Pranab Mukherjee


October 4: To mark the death of Emir of Kuwait Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah


June 5, 2021: To mark the death of former Mauritian President Anerood Jugnauth


December 8, 2021: To grieve the death of CDS General Bipin Rawat


February 6-7, 2022: To mourn the passing away of singing legend Lata Mangeshkar


May 14, 2022: To mark the death of the second UAE President, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan


July 9, 2022: To mourn the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe


September 11, 2022:  To grieve the death of Queen Elizabeth II


April 26-27, 2023: To mark the death of former Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal


December 17, 2023: To mark the death of Kuwait's Emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah


May 21, 2024: The national holiday to mark the death of President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi is the first of this year.