Foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday signed the book condoling Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s killing, which has been laid out in the Iranian embassy in New Delhi, on behalf of the central government.

Misri offered his condolences towards Khamenei’s death in joint Israel-US strikes on February 28, as the two countries launched ‘Operation Epic Fury’ against Iran.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, on behalf of Government of India, signed the Condolence Book at the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi today, and offered condolences to the slain Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Pics Source: XPD Division, MEA)pic.twitter.com/IvDEjWgp3u— ANI (@ANI)March 5, 2026

Misri met Iranian deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, who also visited the embassy to sign the condolence book. On the same day, External Affairs MinisterS Jaishankarsaid he hada telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in the afternoon.

Had a telecon with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi this afternoon.@araghchi— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar)March 5, 2026

Though India has called for resolution of theWest Asia crisisthrough dialogue and diplomacy, it has also chosen not to react to Khamenei’s killing. The foreign secretary’s visit can, hence, be seen as India’s first official recognition of the Supreme Leader’s death.

This also assumes significance as several opposition parties had criticised the Centre for not reacting to the strikes against Khamenei. India, meanwhile, has recently moved to formalise a diplomatic response focused on regional stability and the safety of its citizens.

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Even as Misri’s act of signing the book can be seen as an official acknowledgement of Khamenei’s killing, India has shown diplomatic restraint in condemning the strikes that led to his death.

The prime minister’s office has prioritised a “neutral" stance to balance ties with Israel, the US, and the Gulf states. But, theministry of external affairs (MEA) has issued several statements outlining India’s primary concerns.

Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News