Shias in Lucknow mourn Khamenei even as India strengthens ties with Israel

Shias in Lucknow mourn Khamenei even as India strengthens ties with Israel Submitted by Jakab Thorpe on Mon, 06/01/2026 - 14:03 Iran's late supreme leader was an inspirational figure for many Indian Shia with roots going back generations A banner of slain Iranian leader Ali Khamenei adorns a building in Lucknow, India (Jakab Thorpe/MEE) Off In Hussainabad Chowk, an open plaza in the old city in Lucknow, giant posters of slain Iranian leader Ali Khamenei flutter in the hot wind of the dry season. “Heartfelt and tearful homage to the great leader and guide of world peace and humanity, Martyr Ayatollah Sajjad Ali Husaini Khamenei Sahib,” reads one, in Hindi. Another depicts Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader, standing behind his father, his hands resting on his shoulders.