Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow and shock on Monday over the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who perished in a helicopter crash.
 
Modi conveyed his condolences on social media platform X, stating, "Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of President Raisi. 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 historically been strong, with Iran serving as a key oil supplier to India, the world's fifth-largest economy, until US sanctions interrupted the trade. New Delhi continues to navigate its relationships with both Tehran and Washington, balancing its involvement in the Quad security alliance and its growing ties with Israel.
 
Just last week, Iran and India signed a contract to develop and equip the Chabahar port, granting New Delhi a decade-long access to the facility. This agreement led Washington to warn that companies participating in the deal could face sanctions.
 
India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar also took to X to express his shock at Raisi's death, as well as the passing of his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. "Our condolences to their families," Jaishankar wrote. "We stand with the people of Iran at this time of tragedy."
 
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