New Delhi: The reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israel strikes over the weekend has ignited political debate in India. Opposition leaders have sought a formal statement from the Centre, while the government has so far refrained from issuing any direct comment on the development.
Instead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India’s longstanding position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the preferred route to resolving conflicts, particularly amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
Quick Reads
- Opposition leaders demand a clear statement from the Centre on Khamenei’s death.
- PM Modi emphasises peace, stability, dialogue, and diplomacy.
- No G7 democracy has issued condolences.
- Several Western leaders made strong remarks against Khamenei.
- Gulf nations largely maintained silence or focused on regional security concerns.
- Government sources cite past instances of Khamenei’s remarks on India’s internal matters.
- India’s Iran policy historically guided by strategic and national interests.
PM Modi Calls For Dialogue And Stability
Speaking at a joint press interaction with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, PM Modi described the situation in West Asia as “a matter of grave concern.”
“India stands for peace and stability,” he said.
“India has always called for dialogue and diplomacy to find a solution to such disputes,” he added, reiterating New Delhi’s consistent stand that conflicts must be resolved peacefully.
The government has avoided direct commentary on the leadership change in Iran, aligning its tone with broader international calls for de-escalation.
Global Reactions: No Condolences From G7 Nations
A review of global responses1 indicates that no G7 democracy issued formal condolences.
US President Donald Trump termed Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “For 47 years, the regime chanted ‘Death to Israel.’ Justice has been served.”
Argentina’s President Javier Milei called him “one of the most evil, violent, and cruel persons ever.”
Ukraine’s official government account posted, “Nothing beats the death of a dictator.”
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said few would mourn the leader of an “evil regime.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese referred to Iran’s missile programme and regional proxy activities. France’s government spokesperson said they could “only be satisfied with his demise.”
Canada’s Mark Carney described Iran as the “principal source of instability” in the Middle East.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the moment as “defining,” while maintaining a measured tone.
Related article: Why Iran Is Striking Dubai and the UAE: The Exact Reason Behind the Escalation
Gulf Nations And OIC Response
Many Gulf nations, which host millions of Indian expatriates, either maintained silence or focused on regional security. The Gulf Cooperation Council convened an emergency meeting amid heightened tensions.
Among the 57 members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, only a limited number publicly expressed condolences. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the killing a “cynical murder,” while China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi described it as “unacceptable.” Leaders from countries such as Turkey and Pakistan also expressed concern.
India’s Position: Restraint And National Interest
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged2 restraint and emphasised the importance of dialogue. Officials highlighted that India’s approach is guided by national interest and regional stability.
Government sources also pointed to previous instances where Khamenei commented on India’s internal developments, including references to Kashmir, the revocation of Article 370, and the 2020 Delhi riots. Each time, India formally conveyed its concerns through diplomatic channels.
A History Of Strategic Balancing
India’s Iran policy has often reflected a careful balance between strategic interests and global realities.
During the Congress-led UPA government, India voted against Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)3 on multiple occasions amid concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Later, following the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and sanctions under CAATSA, India significantly reduced its crude oil imports from Iran, diversifying supplies to countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Russia.
More recently, India has maintained an independent line in multilateral forums, including within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), advocating de-escalation without endorsing strongly worded bloc statements.
Political Reactions In India
The opposition has questioned the government’s silence, arguing that a clearer articulation of India’s position is necessary. However, officials suggest that India’s calibrated approach reflects both diplomatic caution and established practice during volatile geopolitical developments.
With millions of Indians living and working across West Asia, and strong ties with multiple regional powers, New Delhi’s emphasis remains on stability, safety, and strategic balance.
Disclaimer
This article is based on reports and publicly available information, including coverage by NDTV. Storify News has independently rewritten and contextualised the content for informational purposes. Readers are advised to refer to the original NDTV report and official government statements for complete details and ongoing updates.
References
- No G7 condolences” and global leaders’ Reuters. March, 2026 ↩︎
- For India’s government urging restraint and calling Khamenei’s earlier remarks “misinformed and unacceptable” IndianExpress 2026 ↩︎
- For the historical part on IAEA and nuclear compliance. Times of India, June 2025 ↩︎
