India on Thursday formally conveyed its condolences to Iran following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visiting the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to sign the condolence book and meet Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali.
The visit marks New Delhi’s first official gesture after the killing of Ali Khamenei in reported joint air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28. The development had triggered strong reactions across West Asia and placed several countries, including India, in a delicate diplomatic position.
According to officials familiar with the meeting, Misri conveyed India’s condolences and reiterated New Delhi’s concern over the rising tensions in the region. India has long maintained close civilisational and economic ties with Iran, particularly in energy cooperation and regional connectivity. Ambassador Fathali expressed appreciation for the gesture and spoke about the loss felt in Iran. “We have lost a great figure and a leader who always advised us to stand on the right side of history,” he said while interacting with visitors at the embassy.
The diplomatic outreach comes after several opposition leaders in India questioned the government’s earlier silence on the incident. Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Indian National Congress, said that respect for sovereignty must remain a guiding principle in international relations. “The killing of a national leader raises serious concerns about international norms and stability,” he said in a statement.
Some other political leaders also visited the Iranian Embassy to express their condolences. Among them was Congress MP Imran Masood, who described the development as a moment of grief for many who followed West Asian politics closely.
Public reaction in parts of India has also reflected a sense of concern about the escalating tensions in the region. Members of the Shia community in several cities held small prayer gatherings and condolence meetings. Many expressed hope that the crisis would not spiral into a wider conflict that could destabilise the region.
While India has avoided strong political statements on the killing itself, officials say the government continues to support dialogue and diplomatic engagement as the best way to ease tensions in West Asia.
