India on Thursday dismissed claims that it delayed signing the condolence book for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, calling such assertions “ill-informed”.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had signed the condolence book on March 5 — the first day it was opened to visitors at the embassy.

Jaiswal said the gesture was made on behalf of the Government of India and urged commentators to verify facts before making public statements.

“Let me clarify the issue for you and for everybody here. As you are aware, the Foreign Secretary signed the condolence book at the Iranian embassy on behalf of the Government of India. He did so on March 5 itself, which was the first day of the opening of the book,” Jaiswal said.

He added that individuals making remarks on sensitive diplomatic matters should ensure they are properly informed.

Also See: Modi directs ministers to ensure no LPG shortage for Indian consumers amid West Asia conflict

“It would do well for commentators to first update themselves on important matters before they choose to speak in public. Such ill-informed comments are best avoided,” the MEA spokesperson stated.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also met Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali during his visit to the embassy and conveyed India’s condolences on the passing of Khamenei.

The condolence book was opened by the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to allow members of the public, diplomatic community, and other visitors to express their sympathies over the death of the Iranian leader.

According to the embassy, the book remained open for three days — March 5, March 6, and March 9 — giving individuals and representatives of various institutions the opportunity to pay their respects.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major military strike carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28, an event widely described as a turning point in Iran’s political history and the 46-year rule of its Shia theocratic establishment.

Following his death, Iran announced several days of national mourning, with government leaders and supporters calling for unity and resilience in the face of what Tehran described as an act of aggression.

On March 11, the Iranian Embassy in India publicly expressed gratitude to the Indian public, government officials, political leaders, religious figures, scholars, and members of the media who visited the embassy to sign the condolence book and express solidarity with the Iranian people.

The embassy also shared a video on social media platform X showing visitors arriving at the mission to offer condolences.

In its message, the embassy thanked the people of India for their presence and support during what it described as a moment of profound loss for the Iranian nation.

Also See: Trump says Iran war nearing end