Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in late February 2026 by US-Israeli strikes, sparking regional tensions and protests including in India.
Sonia Gandhi, in a statement covered by The Hindu and other outlets, accused the Modi government of “abdication” rather than neutrality for its silence on the assassination. She called for a parliamentary debate on India’s Iran policy and emphasized defending sovereignty and international law.
India’s Official Response
Prime Minister Modi urged an end to hostilities in a call with Israel’s Netanyahu but has not issued a strong statement on Khamenei’s killing. Protests erupted in Delhi and other Indian cities mourning Khamenei, with Shia clerics leading chants against the US and Israel.
Broader Context
Iran named Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as interim Supreme Leader amid a succession crisis. The event has triggered global reactions, including deadly protests in Pakistan and scrutiny on prediction markets. Opposition parties like Congress view the government’s restraint as inadequate amid India’s ties with both Iran and Israel.
