A farewell video from India’s outgoing Ambassador to Iran, Rudra Gaurav Shresth, has caught attention on social media after he chose Farsi for his final message from Tehran. After more than three years in the country, Shresth thanked the people and colleagues who were part of his posting and spoke about the memories he would take with him.His departure also featured a traditional Iranian farewell gesture involving water. Meanwhile, his next diplomatic assignment will take him to Türkiye, where he is expected to serve as India’s ambassador in Ankara.
Shresth speaks in Farsi
In the video, Shresth spoke about his experience in Iran and thanked those who supported him during his tenure.“Today, my mission in Iran has come to an end. I would like to thank all my friends and colleagues who were with me during this time. Iran is truly a land of beauty, culture, manners and hospitality,” Shresth said in Farsi.He continued:“This land and its people have always had a special place in my memories and in my heart. I look forward to seeing you again. Goodbye,” he added.The use of Farsi in the farewell has become a key reason the video is drawing attention online.
Water marks his departure
As Shresth left, water was thrown behind him as part of an Iranian farewell tradition.The custom symbolizes wishes for a safe journey and the hope that a departing person will return.
From Tehran to Ankara
Shresth has served as India’s Ambassador to Iran since May 2023. In June, he was appointed India’s next Ambassador to Turkiye and is expected to take up the position in Ankara.A 1999-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, he has previously served at Indian missions in France, Mauritius, Afghanistan, Singapore, and Bhutan.He was India’s High Commissioner to Mozambique between 2016 and 2019.His work at the Ministry of External Affairs has included personnel management and policy planning. He has also served as a Director in the Foreign Secretary’s Office and spent three years on deputation to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Why India-Iran ties are in focus
Shresth’s transfer comes as India continues to balance its longstanding relationship with Iran with its strategic ties to Israel and the United States.The situation became more sensitive after the February 28 US-Israel strikes and the wider conflict in West Asia.India said it was “deeply concerned” and called for restraint, an end to escalation, and protection of civilians. New Delhi did not condemn the strikes.
Khamenei’s death and India’s response
Iran’s relationship with India also faced a sensitive moment following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli-US airstrike.Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi. The move came after the Modi government faced criticism over its silence on Khamenei’s death for nearly a week.At Khamenei’s state funeral in July, India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain. Tehran later thanked India for participating.
Strait of Hormuz adds another challenge
Tensions also emerged over developments in the Strait of Hormuz.Last month, India summoned Iran’s Deputy Ambassador after an Iranian missile strike on two UAE-flagged tankers killed one Indian crew member and injured eight others.With his Tehran assignment now ending, Shresth is moving to his next diplomatic posting in Ankara. His Farsi farewell, meanwhile, has given his departure a distinctly personal ending, centered on the people and memories connected to his time in Iran.Thumb image: X
