"Verify Facts": India Hits Back at Allegations of Diplomatic Lapse Following Death of Iran's Supreme Leader
India clarifies Foreign Secretary signed condolence book for Ayatollah Khamenei on first day, calling delay claims ill-informed.
India on Thursday rejected claims that it delayed signing the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling such statements “ill-informed.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed the book on the first day it was opened, March 5, and urged commentators to verify facts before making public remarks.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a weekly briefing, “Foreign Secretary signed the condolence book on behalf of the Government of India on 5th March itself, which was the first day of the opening of the book. Such ill-informed comments are best avoided.” Misri also met Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali to personally convey India’s condolences.
The condolence book was opened by the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi for public signing on March 5, 6, and 9, allowing members of the Indian public, diplomats, political leaders, and scholars to express sympathy. The Embassy later thanked all those who visited, sharing a video on X showing several officials and citizens offering condolences.
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The MEA’s clarification follows widespread misinformation suggesting that India waited five days to express condolences for Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israel-coordinated attack on February 28, ending over 46 years of Shia-theocratic rule in Iran. Following his death, Iran declared days of national mourning and public declarations of continued unity and resistance.
In a statement on X, the Iranian Embassy expressed “sincere appreciation and gratitude” to the Indian people, officials, political leaders, religious figures, and media members for their solidarity, noting that their “valued presence and heartfelt expressions of sympathy” were deeply appreciated.
India’s prompt action and official clarification underline the government’s attention to diplomatic protocol while countering inaccurate reports circulating in the media and online.
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