India conveys condolences over Khamenei’s death; MoS attends Chehelum ceremony in Delhi

India on Sunday reiterated its outreach to Iran amid escalating tensions in West Asia, with Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita attending the 40^th day (Chehelum) mourning ceremony for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi.

Margherita paid respects on behalf of the Government of India at the ceremony, which was attended by diplomats and officials from several countries.

The outreach follows earlier diplomatic engagement by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who on March 5 visited the Iranian Embassy and signed the condolence book after Khamenei’s death. It was described as New Delhi’s first formal response to the killing of the Iranian leader, even as the conflict between Iran and the United States–Israel alliance intensified across the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs said India’s ties with Iran remain rooted in long-standing historical and cultural connections. “India–Iran relations are anchored in deep-rooted civilisational, cultural and people-to-people ties,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires to India Saad Warraich also attended the Chehelum ceremony in New Delhi, marking the occasion alongside other members of the diplomatic community.

The developments come against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical instability in West Asia, with regional tensions continuing to escalate and prompting calibrated diplomatic responses from major stakeholders, including India.

New Delhi has maintained a measured stance, balancing its strategic interests while continuing engagement with key regional partners amid the evolving situation.