India officially condoles Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, finally
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New Delhi: India has officially condoled the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli air strike. India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and signed a condolence book in memory of the late leader.
Misri personally reached the embassy and conveyed India’s condolences to Iranian officials. After interacting with embassy representatives and expressing his respect and sorrow, the Foreign Secretary departed from the mission.
The visit came amid mounting political criticism within India. The central government’s decision to send the Foreign Secretary followed strong reactions from opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi had earlier urged the Prime Minister to break his silence on the issue and take a clear position, stating that India, which maintains close ties with Iran, should not lower its standing in the international arena.
Khamenei was killed on Saturday, February 28, in a joint US-Israeli air strike. Several members of his family were also killed in the attack, including his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. His wife, Mansoura Hajasta, who had been undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the strike, died on Monday, March 2.
Following the attack, Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting US military bases and embassies in Gulf countries. The developments have further intensified tensions in the region.