Strategic shift? India offers official condolences on death of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei

Iran supreme leader Khamenei's death: The gesture marked India's first formal response since Khamenei was killed in reported US-Israeli military strikes on February 28.

India on Thursday expressed condolences over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signing a condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on behalf of the Government of India.

During his visit to the Iranian mission, Misri met Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, and conveyed condolences to the Iranian leadership and people over the loss of their top religious and political figure.

Strategic shift?

The gesture marked India’s first formal response since Khamenei was killed in reported US-Israeli military strikes on February 28.

This move is being seen as a strategic shift in India’s diplomatic approach, as the country had maintained a cautious silence for several days following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During that period, New Delhi limited its response to calls for restraint and de-escalation. The decision by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to sign the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi now marks a transition toward a more formal diplomatic acknowledgement of the development.

The development is also significant in light of earlier tensions between the two sides. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had previously criticised India over its policies related to Jammu and Kashmir and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), remarks that had drawn strong reactions from New Delhi.

Jaishankar meets Oman's Foreign Minister

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a conversation with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi regarding the ongoing tensions and conflict in West Asia.

Iranian Embassy lowers flag in Delhi

The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi lowered its national flag to half-mast as a mark of respect for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The diplomatic mission also opened a condolence book to allow visiting dignitaries and officials to pay tribute to the late leader.

Khamenei killed in reported airstrike

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in a military strike attributed to Israel and the United States. His death has triggered reactions from several countries and heightened concerns about further escalation in the region.

Meanwhile, Iran on Thursday warned of a strong response to what it described as “criminal military aggression” by the United States and Israel.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali said Iran had been engaged in diplomatic negotiations before the attacks took place.

“We were at the negotiation table, but they destroyed the negotiation process and started the war. We have been subjected to criminal military aggression, and we will respond strongly,” the envoy said.

Fathali also alleged that civilian locations were targeted during the strikes, claiming that an elementary school was among the sites hit and that around 160 schoolgirls were killed in one of the attacks.

Describing the incident as “terrible,” he accused those responsible of expanding the conflict beyond military targets.

Commenting on India’s position, the ambassador said Tehran values its long-standing relationship with New Delhi.

“Iran and India share a historic relationship, and we believe our ties should continue to grow stronger. However, in situations like this, all governments and people are being tested,” he said.

He added that Iran remains open to both diplomacy and conflict resolution but prefers peace.

“Iran is prepared for war as well as peace, but we strongly prefer peace. Unfortunately, the war was initiated by them,” he said.

(With IANS inputs)