Archive · 28 Jun 2025
India's Initial Diplomacy with Khomeini Faced Unexpected Reversal
After the Shah of Iran fell, India wanted to connect with the new Iranian leader, Ayatollah Khomeini.
A group was sent to meet him, hoping to find common ground.
However, Khomeini was upset with one of the Indian delegation members, who had family ties to India.
This caused the meeting to end abruptly, and the group returned home.
Later, Iran's ambassador discussed the historic links between the two countries, including Khomeini's background.
Indian officials sought links with Ayatollah Khomeini after the Shah's fall.
A delegation was formed to meet Khomeini, led by Ashoka Mehta and Badruddin Tayyabji.
Khomeini reprimanded the delegation's escort, Agha Roohi Abaqati, due to his family ties to India.
Meetings in Tehran were canceled, and the delegation returned to Delhi after the unexpected incident.
Later, the Iranian ambassador highlighted the civilizational ties between India and Iran, including Khomeini's roots.
- Who
- An Indian delegation, including Ashoka Mehta and Badruddin Tayyabji, and Ayatollah Khomeini.
- What
- An Indian delegation's meeting with Ayatollah Khomeini experienced a setback due to unexpected circumstances.
- When
- Following the fall of the Shah in Iran.
- Where
- Tehran, Iran.
- Why
- To establish and strengthen diplomatic relations between India and Iran following the change in leadership.
Original Concerns
Later View
Perception of Indian Connections
Original Concerns
Some in Iran viewed ties to India as potentially damaging to the revolution.
Later View
Others later saw cultural links as a strength.
- Event
- Indian delegation's visit to Khomeini
- Key Figures
- Atal Behari Vajpayee, Ayatollah Khomeini, Jagat Mehta
- Location of Initial Exile
- Najaf, Iraq
- Indian Delegation Leader
- Ashoka Mehta
- Escort
- Agha Roohi Abaqati