India’s Foreign Secretary Signs Condolence Book for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

New Delhi, March 5: India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday signed a condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The book was opened by the embassy to allow diplomats and officials to pay their respects after Khamenei was reportedly killed in joint strikes carried out by Israel and the United States on February 28 as part of the military operation dubbed “Operation Epic Fury”.

Signing the condolence register on behalf of the Government of India, Misri conveyed condolences over the Iranian leader’s death. During the visit, he also met Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, who was present at the embassy to sign the book.

While India has consistently called for de-escalation of tensions in West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy, New Delhi had not issued a direct reaction to the reported killing of Khamenei. Misri’s visit to the Iranian Embassy is therefore widely viewed as India’s first official acknowledgement of the Supreme Leader’s death.

The development comes amid criticism from several opposition parties in India, which had questioned the government’s initial silence regarding the strikes. In response, New Delhi has recently moved to formalise its diplomatic position, focusing on regional stability and the safety of Indian nationals in the region.

Despite acknowledging the death through diplomatic channels, India has maintained a cautious stance and refrained from condemning the strikes that led to Khamenei’s killing. According to officials, the Prime Minister’s Office has adopted a neutral approach aimed at balancing India’s strategic relations with Israel, the United States and key Gulf nations.

The Ministry of External Affairs (India) has repeatedly urged all sides to exercise restraint and return to dialogue. The ministry has also emphasised that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations must be respected.

A major factor shaping India’s position is the presence of nearly 10 million Indian citizens living and working across the Gulf region. The government has stressed that it cannot remain unaffected by developments that could threaten the safety and livelihoods of its nationals abroad.

India is also closely monitoring the potential impact of the conflict on global energy supply chains and on major connectivity initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). Officials have expressed concern about disruptions to commercial shipping routes in the region.

As a precautionary measure, the government has issued a “no-travel” advisory for Iran and urged Indian citizens currently in the country to leave using available commercial flights while operations continue.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that preparations are underway at Grand Mosalla in Tehran for the placement of Khamenei’s body. The vast prayer complex, often used for major state and religious gatherings, will host a three-day farewell ceremony before a large funeral procession expected to draw thousands of mourners paying their final respects.