India Condoles Khamenei's Death, Urges De-Escalation in Iran-US Conflict

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed a condolence book for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Delhi, stressing India’s firm call for dialogue and diplomacy to end the Iran-US conflict. The statement emphasised that the safety and well-being of nearly 10 million Indians living and working in the Gulf region is of utmost priority, and warned that any major disruption to the region could have serious consequences for India’s economy. It also reiterated India’s opposition to attacks on merchant shipping and noted that some Indian nationals have already lost their lives or are missing in the recent days.

Developments in the broader conflict have implications beyond diplomacy. Oil prices surged after the Strait of Hormuz was affected, and natural gas prices rose as QatarEnergy halted production following attacks on its facilities. As a significant crude importer, India imports roughly 85% of its oil needs, making regional stability critical to energy security and trade.

The war’s reach has extended to other regions as well, including the Sri Lankan coast where a US submarine reportedly torpedoed an Iranian warship, and Azerbaijan which warned of retaliation after a drone strike hit an airport. These developments underscore the urgency of de-escalation and steady diplomacy across West Asia and nearby areas.

The condolence signing also comes amid political debate at home, with Opposition parties criticizing the government’s silence on Khamenei’s killing. In this context, the gesture is being read as a signal of India’s approach to foreign policy—one that blends mourning with a clear call for peace and stability in a volatile region.

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