India Denies Delay In Signing Condolence Book For Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

India on Thursday dismissed reports suggesting that there had been a delay in signing the condolence book for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi. Officials described such remarks as based on incorrect information.

During the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed the condolence book on behalf of the Government of India on the first day the embassy opened it.

He further added that Misri signed the book on March 5 and urged commentators to verify facts before making public statements on sensitive diplomatic matters.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on March 5 to sign the condolence book and express sympathy on behalf of the Indian government following the passing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

During the visit, Misri also met Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, and conveyed condolences to the Iranian leadership and citizens.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in an attack carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28, an event that marked a significant development in the country’s political history.

Following his death, Iran observed several days of national mourning, accompanied by public statements emphasising unity and resistance.

After the incident, the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi opened a condolence book to allow visitors to express their sympathy.

The Iranian Embassy invited members of the public, diplomats and other well-wishers to visit the premises and sign the register. The book remained open on March 5, March 6 and March 9.

Embassy Thanks Visitors

On March 11, the Iranian Embassy expressed appreciation to the people of India, government officials, political representatives, scholars and members of the media who visited the premises to sign the condolence book.

The embassy also shared a video on X showing several individuals paying their respects at the mission.

In its message, the embassy noted, “The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the great people of India, government officials, political parties, religious leaders, scholars, academics, and members of the media who visited the Embassy to sign the condolence book opened on the occasion of the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, and expressed their sympathy with the people of Iran. Their valued presence and heartfelt expressions of solidarity are deeply appreciated.”

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