Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received a response from Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, following his Eid al-Adha greetings, with the Iranian leader highlighting the importance of strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two countries. According to reports, Khamenei said the historic friendship between India and Iran is rooted in mutual respect and shared interests, expressing confidence that bilateral ties would continue to expand through the efforts of both governments. The exchange marks the first direct correspondence between the two leaders since Mojtaba Khamenei assumed Iran's highest office earlier this year.
The message comes at a significant time in India-Iran relations, as Tehran continues its political transition following the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reports said Mojtaba Khamenei thanked Prime Minister Modi for his greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Adha and extended his own wishes to the people of India. He also conveyed hopes for the continued prosperity and success of the Indian government and its citizens, while reaffirming Iran's commitment to enhancing cooperation with New Delhi.
According to reports cited by ANI, Mojtaba Khamenei said he had received Prime Minister Modi's congratulatory message on the Islamic festival and expressed sincere appreciation for the gesture. In his response, he stated that the historic friendship between Iran and India, founded on mutual respect and shared interests, would continue to be strengthened and expanded through coordinated efforts by the two governments. He also offered prayers for the well-being and continued progress of India and its people.
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The diplomatic exchange follows an invitation extended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Prime Minister Modi to attend the official state burial ceremony of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While the Indian Prime Minister will not be attending the ceremony, India has decided to send a high-level delegation to represent the country at the event, reflecting the importance New Delhi places on maintaining strong diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
India's delegation for the state burial will be led by Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain along with Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. Their participation is expected to underscore India's continued commitment to preserving its longstanding relationship with Iran despite regional geopolitical developments. The representation also reflects India's balanced diplomatic approach toward West Asia, where it maintains strategic ties with multiple countries.
India and Iran have shared centuries-old civilisational, cultural and economic links, with cooperation extending across trade, connectivity, energy and regional security. Although bilateral relations have faced challenges in recent years due to international sanctions and changing geopolitical dynamics, both countries have repeatedly expressed their intention to deepen engagement in areas of mutual interest. The latest exchange of messages between Prime Minister Modi and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is being viewed as another indication of both sides' willingness to sustain and strengthen their historic partnership.
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