Iran has thanked India for sending an official delegation to the state funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, describing.
New Delhi’s participation as a “powerful expression of mutual respect” that reflected the longstanding ties between the two countries.
A high-level Indian delegation comprising Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita attended the funeral ceremonies in Tehran on Friday to pay their respects to Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike earlier this year.
Congress leader Salman Khurshid, People’s Democratic Party chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, along with Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Christian religious leaders from India, also attended the ceremonies.
Iran Thanks India
In a statement shared on X, the Iranian Embassy in India expressed gratitude to the Indian government and people for standing with Iran during its period of national mourning.
“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran… extends its heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to the friendly government and people of India… for participating in the funeral ceremonies and paying tribute to the martyred leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,” the embassy said.
The embassy added that the presence of Indian political leaders, parliamentarians, scholars and representatives of different faiths highlighted the deep historical, cultural and human bonds between the two nations.
“It also stood as a powerful expression of mutual respect and sincere solidarity with the people of Iran during this time of national mourning,” the statement said, adding that the Iranian people would “never forget this gesture of friendship, compassion and heartfelt respect.”
According to the embassy, India’s participation would serve as a strong foundation for further strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Khamenei’s Funeral Draws Massive Crowds
According to Iran’s state broadcaster Press TV, Khamenei’s funeral procession began in Tehran on Monday morning and was expected to continue for nearly 12 hours, with authorities describing it as one of the largest public gatherings in the country’s modern history.
Khamenei’s flag-draped coffin, along with those of family members killed in the February 28 airstrike, was carried through Tehran on a specially decorated truck resembling the ornate latticework surrounding a revered shrine. Thousands of mourners lined the route, reaching out to touch the vehicle, while many threw scarves and personal belongings towards the coffin in keeping with local mourning traditions.
Officials deployed security personnel across the capital and repeatedly urged mourners to avoid overcrowding as the procession moved slowly towards Mehrabad International Airport.
The funeral ceremonies are part of a week-long national mourning period that began on Saturday and will conclude on Thursday, when Khamenei is scheduled to be buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace. Authorities have closed major roads, restricted airspace and suspended several public activities as hundreds of thousands gather to pay their final respects.
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