New Delhi, March 9, 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : A high-level Sikh delegation, led by Paramjit Singh Sarna, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi Unit), visited the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi today to express profound condolences following the passing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
During the visit, Mr. Sarna met with senior Iranian diplomatic officials to convey the sympathies of the Sikh community to the leadership and people of Iran. Highlighting the centuries-old relationship between India and Iran, Mr. Sarna noted that the cultural and economic bonds between the two civilizations extend back more than a thousand years, significantly shaping regional scholarship, trade, and spirituality.
In light of the current geopolitical climate, Mr. Sarna also took the opportunity to urge Iranian leadership to exercise restraint. Referring to the heightened tensions triggered by recent military strikes involving the United States and Israel, he emphasized that Iran should play a stabilizing role. He noted that at such a delicate moment, it is imperative for Iran to show restraint toward other Muslim countries in the region to prevent the conflict from escalating further.
As a mark of spiritual respect, the delegation performed a brief prayer ceremony within the embassy premises. The members collectively offered an Ardas, the traditional Sikh supplication, praying for the eternal peace of the departed Ayatollah.
The delegation included several prominent community leaders, including Manjit Singh GK, Tajender Singh Gopa, Manjeet Singh Sarna, Kuldeep Singh Bogal, Mohinder Singh, Satnam Singh Khivi, Gurminder Singh Matharoo, Paramjit Singh Rana, Ramandeep Singh Sonu, Jasmeet Singh Pitampura, Meharjyot Singh, Sarabjit Singh Sohi, Gurvinder Singh Saini, and Sukhdev Singh Rayat.
The visit concluded with the delegation signing the official condolence book at the embassy, where they recorded their prayers for the departed soul and for continued peace and stability across the region.
