India extends condolences over Khamenei’s death amid rising West Asia tensions

India on Thursday condoled the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated on February 28 in what has been described as the opening phase of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and signed the condolence book on behalf of the Government and people of India. The move came as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the evolving situation.

Diplomatic outreach amid tensions

Confirming the development, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Misri conveyed condolences on the demise of Khamenei during his visit to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. India’s outreach came after a period of silence following the assassination, even as Tehran signalled disappointment over New Delhi’s reluctance to explicitly condemn the killing.

The conversation between Jaishankar and Araghchi also addressed the broader state of India-Iran relations, with Indian officials calling for an “early cessation of hostilities.” According to sources, New Delhi emphasised the safety of Indian citizens in West Asia and Indian sailors on oil tankers operating near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Iran warns of ‘existential war’, Hormuz uncertainty

A senior Iranian diplomatic source described the conflict as an “existential war” for Tehran, asserting that Iranian retaliatory strikes against U.S. and Israeli targets were “precise and deliberate.” The official also linked disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz to both Iranian military strategy and insurance companies withdrawing coverage for cargo vessels amid escalating risks.

The source urged global stakeholders, including India, to condemn Khamenei’s assassination, arguing that targeting the head of a state sets a dangerous precedent under international law.

Meanwhile, India has sought to balance its interests in the region, where millions of Indian expatriates live and work, while also safeguarding its energy security. In this context, India has engaged multiple suppliers to cushion potential disruptions. Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhail Ejaz Khan recently met Saudi Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji to discuss the safety of Indian nationals and energy supplies. Sources said Saudi oil shipments to India are being rerouted through the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.