Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep shock and sorrow at the passing away of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his team in a helicopter crash. PM Modi recognized Raisi's contribution to strengthening the ties between India and Iran, while EAM Jaishankar recalled their past meetings and offered condolences to their families. Meanwhile, the Iranian cabinet has convened an urgent meeting in light of this tragic event.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Killed in Helicopter Crash
On August 25, 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep shock and sorrow at the passing away of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his team in a helicopter crash.
Raisi, 64, died along with his deputy chief of staff, the head of his security detail, and several other senior officials when their helicopter crashed in central Iran. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Modi and Jaishankar both recognized Raisi's contribution to strengthening the ties between India and Iran. Modi recalled his meeting with Raisi in September 2019, during which the two leaders signed a number of agreements to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and defense. Jaishankar said that he had met Raisi on several occasions and that he was "a man of great vision and commitment."
The Iranian cabinet has convened an urgent meeting in light of this tragic event. It is expected that Raisi's deputy, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, will succeed him as president.
Background
Ebrahim Raisi was a hardline cleric who was elected president of Iran in June 2021. He was a close ally of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and was known for his anti-Western views.
Raisi's election was seen as a sign of Iran's increasing conservatism. He was the first cleric to be elected president since Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who served from 2005 to 2013.
Raisi's presidency was marked by a number of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing US-Iran conflict, and the 2023 protests in Iran.
FAQs
Ebrahim Raisi was a hardline cleric who was elected president of Iran in June 2021. He was a close ally of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and was known for his anti-Western views.
The cause of the helicopter crash is still under investigation.
Raisi's deputy, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, is expected to succeed him as president.
Raisi was seen as a friend of India and had met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several occasions. During their meetings, the two leaders signed a number of agreements to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and defense.
Raisi's death is a significant event in Iranian politics. He was a powerful figure and his death will likely have a significant impact on the country's future.
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