NEW DELHI – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow and shock on May 20 over the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
Modi conveyed his condolences via social media platform X, stating, “My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow.”
The relationship between India and Iran has been historically strong, with Iran serving as a key oil supplier to India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, until U.S. sanctions significantly curtailed the trade. India has since had to navigate its strategic partnerships, balancing its ties with Tehran alongside its relations with Washington and its growing relationship with Israel.
The recent signing of a contract between India and Iran to develop and equip the long-delayed Chabahar port further underscores their bilateral cooperation. This agreement grants New Delhi 10 years of access to the facility, although it has drawn warnings from Washington about potential sanctions on involved companies.
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed his condolences on X, stating he was “deeply shocked to hear of the passing away” of President Raisi and extending sympathies to his counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian. “Our condolences to their families,” Jaishankar added. “We stand with the people of Iran at this time of tragedy.”
The heartfelt messages from Indian leaders highlight the diplomatic bond between the two nations and underscore India’s solidarity with Iran during this period of mourning.