The official announcement by Iranian state media shook the world—Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was martyred in a US-Israeli airstrike in Tehran on February 28, 2026. The social media post proved true—”Khamenei’s passing marks the end of an era. India has lost a true friend.” Humble tributes to Khamenei. Under his leadership, Iran supported us against Pakistan, voted in India’s favor at the United Nations on the Kashmir issue, provided security in the energy sector, and made available cheap oil. Today, Iran is plunged into crisis. India must clarify its position. The global dictator, America, must be stopped—after Venezuela, Iran, who will be next?
India-Iran relations have ancient roots. From the Indus Valley Civilization and the trade of the Persian Empire to today’s Chabahar port—this friendship is a testament to history. The Non-Aligned Movement formalized it in the 1950s. The 1979 Islamic Revolution brought ups and downs, but Khamenei’s leadership since 1989 has brought stability. His stance on Kashmir remained unwavering. In the 1971, 1994, and 2017 UN elections, Iran rejected Pakistan’s propaganda and supported India. When most Muslim countries sided with Pakistan, Iran said Kashmir was India’s internal matter. This was a diplomatic victory.
Iran’s support against Pakistan was evident. Iran sent a strong message to Pakistan in the Balochistan border disputes. India received support against the Taliban in Afghanistan. The Chabahar port became a symbol of this. This $500 million project, initiated by Prime Minister Modi in 2016, challenges Pakistan’s Gwadar and opens alternative routes to Central Asia and Afghanistan. India invested $370 million by 2024. In 2025, it was linked to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Khamenei personally supported it. Energy cooperation was also historic. Between 2005 and 2015, Iran supplied 25 percent of India’s crude oil, 20 percent cheaper than the market rate. Despite US sanctions, India saved $12 billion through informal rupee-oil trade. Bilateral trade reached $2.5 billion in 2023. Iran purchased rice, tea, medicines, and engineering goods from India. Khamenei had said, “India is our cultural brother.”
Iran’s current crisis is profound. US sanctions have devastated the economy—inflation has reached 45 percent, unemployment 15 percent, and GDP has shrunk by 12 percent. The 2015 nuclear deal, the JCPOA, has failed, and Israeli cyberattacks and airstrikes have increased. Support for Houthi rebels has disrupted shipping in the Red Sea, harming global trade. Internally, the Mahsa Amini movement (2022) has sparked women’s anger. Khamenei’s martyrdom has sparked a succession war. The Expert Council will form a three-member provisional council. Possible successors are Majlis Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf or the head of the IRGC. But the threat of a military coup looms. US President Trump called it “Judgment Day.” Israel celebrated. This is a unilateral dictatorship. Venezuela’s oil crisis, Syria’s destruction—now Iran. Is Yemen or North Korea the next target?
India adopted a balanced policy. Full membership for Iran in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), partnership with the US in the Quad. A $2.5 billion defense deal with Israel—drones and missiles. But Iran was never abandoned. The 2025 BRICS summit agreed on de-dollarization and energy cooperation. The Ministry of External Affairs spoke of keeping an eye on “regional stability.” The Chabahar project continues. But the social media question was justified—”Modi ji, say something about the dictatorship of America and Israel. You are not a world leader but a gurughantal.” The Modi government’s silence led to criticism. The G20 (2023) slogan “One Earth, One Family” was given, but it remained silent on the Iran crisis. Abu Dhabi supported the Abraham Accords, but Iran was isolated. Is this balance or cowardice?
What steps should India take? First, prioritize Chabahar. Additional investment of $500 million, rail and road access to Afghanistan. Second, immediate contact with the new Iranian leadership. Send a high-level delegation to the condolence meeting. Third, strengthen energy security. Continue 2 million barrels per day from Russia, and restore 1 million from Iran. Fourth, active engagement on multilateral platforms. BRICS and SCO oppose US sanctions.
Fifth, the regional peace initiative. Host an Iran-Pakistan-Afghanistan trilateral dialogue. India’s diplomacy has been tested—purchasing oil during the Russia-Ukraine war, blocking China in Ladakh, and Qatar acting as a mediator. Repeat this in Iran. Haryana’s importance—the state’s green energy policy should receive cheap Iranian oil. Gurugram IT exports should go to Central Asia via Chabahar. Rohtak-Karnal farmers should double their rice exports. BJP MLA Nayab Singh Saini emphasized regional stability.
Today is not a moment of mere grief or reaction, but of prudent decision-making. The instability in West Asia teaches us that the use of force does not suppress ideas, but rather intensifies them. India needs to rise above emotions and pressures and adopt a clear and balanced stance in support of its long-term interests, regional peace, and international law. Dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and sustained energy trade are India’s strategic strengths. Becoming a world leader does not mean neutral silence, but leading with justice, stability, and self-respect in times of crisis. This is the need of the hour.
*Modi ji, now is the time to speak up.* Silence on Khamenei’s martyrdom is hurting the dignity of the world leader. Name the US-Israel dictatorship openly. Don’t be called “Gurghantal”—go beyond G20 slogans. Call President Trump, warn him—more attacks on Iran will not be tolerated. Tell Israel to exercise restraint. Make a statement in Parliament, save Chabahar. Accelerate de-dollarization through BRICS. From Haryana to Kanyakumari, India wants Iran’s support. You built the Ram Temple and revitalized Ayodhya—now make history in diplomacy as well. Becoming a world leader is not done with slogans, but with courage. Long live Khamenei. His martyrdom has placed responsibility on Modi ji’s shoulders. Speak up, take action—India is waiting!
