New Delhi: The government has announced a state mourning on May 21 to honour Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, officials said.
As per officials, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across India on May 21 as a mark of respect. Additionally, there will be no official entertainment during the state mourning period, reported news agency PTI.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has announced five days of mourning following the death of the country's President, Ebrahim Raisi, reported BBC.
Iran in India posted on X, "Iran and India have a long history of shared joys and sorrows. The Iranian people will surely remember the companionship and sympathy extended by the Indian government and people during this difficult time following the martyrdom of the President of the I.R.Iran".
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed grief over the death of Iran's President, saying, "We hope Almighty God will return the respected, esteemed President and his entourage to the arms of the nation".
He posted, "Eveyone should pray for the health of these people who are serving the Iranian nation. The nation doesn't need to be worried or anxious as the administration of the country will not be disrupted at all".
PM Modi Expressed Condolences over Iran President Raisi's Tragic Demise, saying,"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 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".
Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi was killed after his helicopter crashed in poor weather in mountains near the Azerbaijan border. Raisi was often seen as the successor to the Iranian supreme leader 'Ayatollah' Ali Khamenei. Raisi was a hardliner cleric who was elected as the President of Iran in 2021.