Ebrahim Raisi no more: PM Modi, Russia's Putin, other world leaders remember late Iranian president

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi death news updates: Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi died in a plane crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19). IndianPrime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first in the world to express condolences.Raisi was accompanied by Foreign MinisterHossein Amir-Abdollahian who too did not survive in what so far is being described as an 'accident'.

"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," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday hailed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi as an "outstanding politician" and said his death in a helicopter crash was an "irreplaceable loss."

"Raisi was an outstanding politician whose entire life was dedicated to serving his homeland," Putin said. "As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good-neighbourly relations between our countries."

The European Union also expressed its "sincere condolences" over the death of IranianPresident Ebrahim Raisi and other officials in a helicopter crash.

"Our thoughts go to the families," EU council president Charles Michel said in a statement.

Ebrahim Raisi death: South Africa, Turkey react

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep regret over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.

"This is an extraordinary, unthinkable tragedy that has claimed a remarkable leader of a nation with whom South Africa enjoys strong bilateral relations," Ramaphosa said.

Also watch |Raisi helicopter crash: Indian PM Modi reacts to Iran President Raisi's death

Iran became a full member of the intergovernmental forum BRICS in January, along with Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, Turkey said it was "deeply saddened" by the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.

Turkey "shares the pain of the friendly and brotherly Iranian people," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.

Ebrahim Raisi death: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reacts

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed solidarity with close ally Tehran, which has backed him during years of war, after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials died in a helicopter crash. Assad "affirmed Syria's solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and with the families of the late deceased and his comrades," the Syrian presidency said in a statement, adding: "We worked with the late President to ensure that strategic relations between Syria and Iran flourish always".

Ebrahim Raisi death: Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim reacts

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Monday he was "deeply saddened" by the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials in a helicopter crash, noting their shared commitment to bolstering ties. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several other officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Ibrahim said in a statement on social media.

Iran's Gulf neighbours the United Arab Emirates and Qatar also mourned the deaths of president Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash.

The oil-rich UAE, which has mended ties with Tehran after years of rift"stands in solidarity with Iran at this difficult time", said Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. "I extend my deepest condolences to the Iranian government and people over the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and those accompanying them following a tragic accident," Sheikh Mohammed posted on social media platform X.

In another statement on X, Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, called the news "painful", expressing his "sincere condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran".

The UAE and Saudi Arabia for long had strained ties with Iran because of its nuclear program and support to militant groups across the region.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a day of mourning following Ebrahim Raisi's death

"Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for President Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with Brotherly Iran," the Pakistani PM posted on X

"I along with the government and people of Pakistan extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on this terrible loss," he said.

"The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage,"Sharif added.

US expresses condolences

The United States expressed condolences on Monday over the Iranian president's death stating, "The United States expresses its official condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and other members of their delegation in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

"As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms," he said.

Turkish president announces day of mourning

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday his country would observe a day of mourning over the death ofRaisi.

"During our cabinet meeting, we have decided to declare a day of mourning in our country to share the deep pain of the Iranian people," Erdogan said during a televised speech.

"We once again offer our condolences to our Iranian brothers," added Erdogan, who earlier called Raisi a "dear colleague and brother".