The Government of India has officially expressed its condolences following the demise of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to convey the nation's sympathies. This diplomatic gesture comes on the sixth day of the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to official sources, the Foreign Secretary signed the condolence book at the embassy and paid formal tribute to the departed leader, marking India's first high-level response to the event.
Diplomatic Protocol and Embassy Visit
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei passed away on February 28 following a targeted military strike by US and Israeli forces. Iran officially announced the news a day later, triggering a wave of diplomatic responses globally. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to the embassy in New Delhi is seen as an adherence to international diplomatic protocol. During his visit, Misri met with Iranian diplomats and expressed solidarity during this period of national mourning for Iran. Several other nations have also dispatched formal messages of condolence to Tehran.
Sinking of IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka
In a significant escalation of maritime hostilities, the United States Navy intercepted and sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena near the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday, while according to data released by the Sri Lankan Navy, 87 bodies have been recovered from the site so far. While 32 crew members were successfully rescued, Reuters reports that approximately 60 personnel remain missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the Indian Ocean. The vessel was reportedly in transit back to Iran after completing a diplomatic and military mission in Indian waters.
Background of MILAN-2026 and Technical Details
The IRIS Dena had arrived in Visakhapatnam, India, on February 18 to participate in the 2026 International Fleet Review (IFR) and the MILAN-2026 multilateral naval exercise. The vessel departed from India on February 25. The attack occurred when the ship was approximately 40 nautical miles (75 kilometers) off the coast of Galle, southern Sri Lanka. Defense analysts noted that this marks the first time since World War II that a US Navy submarine has used a torpedo to sink an enemy vessel in active combat, while reports suggest that the US has now neutralized approximately 20 Iranian warships in various engagements.
Iranian Ambassador Rules Out Immediate Talks
Mohammad Fathali, the Iranian Ambassador to India, has stated that there is currently no environment for negotiations with the United States or Israel. Speaking to the media, Fathali emphasized that while Iran doesn't seek a broader war, the initiation of the current conflict lies with the opposing forces. When questioned about the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the Ambassador noted that there were no new operational updates to provide at this time. He reiterated that Iran’s military capabilities and regional influence are well-recognized by the international community.
Russia Denies Requests for Military Aid
The Kremlin has clarified its position regarding military support for Iran during the ongoing conflict. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Iran has not made any formal requests for weapons or military assistance from Russia. Peskov stated that Russia's stance on the matter remains unchanged despite the heightening tensions, while this clarification comes despite the 20-year strategic partnership agreement signed between Moscow and Tehran last year, which includes cooperation on the Bushehr nuclear power plant and previous defense collaborations.