The Indian National Congress (INC) has strongly condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei, calling it a “targeted assassination” that took place without any formal declaration of war. In a statement shared on X by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, the party expressed condolences to Khamenei’s family and the people of Iran, describing the attack as a moment of profound grief for the nation.
This condemnation comes at a time when geopolitical tensions in West Asia are escalating, following the coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. The Congress party’s statement emphasizes the party’s longstanding commitment to non-violence, international law, and peaceful resolutions in conflicts.
India’s Foreign Policy and the Commitment to Peace
The INC took this opportunity to reiterate India’s long-standing foreign policy principles. Citing Article 51 of the Indian Constitution, the party reminded the public that India’s foreign policy has always been rooted in the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law, and diplomatic dialogue. The Congress stressed that these principles align with India’s civilizational values and its commitment to fostering peace and cooperation among nations.
“India’s foreign policy is anchored in a commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and respect for international law, as mandated in Article 51 of the Constitution of India,” the statement read. The Congress party also highlighted the legacy of India’s founding leaders, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, whose philosophies of non-violence and non-alignment shaped India’s approach to global relations.
The Legacy of Non-Violence and Diplomacy
The Congress party emphasized that India has always championed the ideals of sovereign equality, non-intervention, and the promotion of peace. These principles are not just grounded in the Constitution, but also reflect India’s commitment to Mahatma Gandhi’s doctrine of ahimsa (non-violence) and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “the world is one family.” According to the INC, these values have guided India’s actions in global affairs, setting it apart from interventionist policies often pursued by other global powers.
As tensions mount in West Asia, the Congress party has voiced concern about the growing use of force and attempts at regime change, which could further destabilize the region. The statement cautioned that such actions violate the principles of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any nation.
The Indian National Congress (INC) unequivocally condemns the targeted assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei, in a military strike carried out without a formal declaration of war. The INC extends its deepest condolences to the Supreme Leader’s family, to… pic.twitter.com/CSQAbds3tS
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) March 1, 2026
Against External Interference in Sovereign Affairs
In its statement, the INC made a crucial point about the right of every nation to choose its political path without external interference. The party firmly asserted that no foreign power has the right to engineer regime changes or dictate the leadership of another country. This stance was in line with the party’s longstanding opposition to imperialism and any actions that undermine global norms.
“The INC reiterates that it is the inalienable right of every nation’s citizens to determine their own political future. No external power has the authority to engineer regime change or dictate the leadership of another state,” the Congress statement read. The party further emphasized that such actions are fundamentally incompatible with a genuinely rules-based international order.
This strong position underscores the Congress party’s belief that the sovereignty of nations should be respected, and that any efforts to alter a country’s political structure through external means only serve to increase instability and jeopardize global peace.
Geopolitical Concerns and Escalating Tensions
The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader has triggered widespread condemnation, with various political leaders and organizations urging restraint and dialogue. The situation in West Asia has become increasingly fragile, with Iran vowing retaliation against Israel and the US for their role in Khamenei’s death. The Iranian government has since launched missile strikes on several US military sites in the region, further exacerbating tensions.
The Congress party’s statement comes amidst these heightened hostilities, underlining its concerns over the consequences of such violent actions. By invoking the principles of peaceful conflict resolution, the Congress seeks to remind the government and international community of the importance of diplomacy in times of crisis.
The Impact on Global Relations and Stability
The killing of a prominent leader like Khamenei, particularly in the absence of any formal declaration of war, presents significant risks to global stability. With tensions already high in the region, the Congress party’s call for peace and respect for international norms becomes increasingly urgent. India, as a rising global power, has long prided itself on its diplomatic efforts and its ability to mediate in international disputes. The party’s statement reiterates the need for a measured, diplomatic response to the current crisis in West Asia.
As the situation continues to evolve, the global community is watching closely. The Congress party’s condemnation of the assassination and its call for peaceful negotiations highlight India’s continued commitment to a foreign policy based on non-violence, mutual respect, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
