New Delhi, Mar 5 (KNS): India on Thursday conveyed its condolences to Iran following the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visiting the Iranian Embassy here and signing the condolence book.
Khamenei died on Sunday, hours after US-Israel air strikes in Tehran.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Misri signed the condolence book on behalf of the people and the Government of India.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi during the day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the situation in West Asia and reiterated India’s position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
India’s message comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to all vessels except those from the United States, Israel and European countries, warning of action against ships belonging to them and their allies.
The government’s move is being seen as a shift from its initial response following the air strikes, during which New Delhi had not issued a formal condemnation despite demands from Opposition parties.
Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had criticised the government’s position, saying India’s silence raised concerns about its foreign policy stance and commitment to international law.
India has historically maintained close ties with Iran, once sourcing a significant portion of its crude oil from the country before US sanctions led to a sharp decline in imports. At the same time, New Delhi has strengthened strategic ties with Israel in recent years.(KNS)
