India deputes two senior leaders to represent the country at Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei's state funeral as Prime Minister Narendra Modi skips the ceremony due to prior international commitments
India will send a high-level delegation comprising Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita to represent the country at the state funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the ceremonies because of his pre-scheduled overseas visits. The funeral, scheduled from July 4 to July 9 across multiple Iranian cities, is expected to draw millions of mourners and several international dignitaries.
New Delhi: India will send a high-level delegation to Iran to attend the state funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, reaffirming its longstanding diplomatic ties with Tehran. The funeral ceremonies will commence on July 4 and continue until July 9, with millions of mourners and several foreign dignitaries expected to participate across multiple Iranian cities.
The Indian delegation will comprise Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, who will represent the Government of India during the state funeral and burial ceremonies.
The invitation to attend the funeral was extended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the Prime Minister will not travel to Iran due to his previously scheduled international engagements.
According to Iranian sources cited by ANI, India has nominated two senior leaders to represent the country at the funeral, reflecting New Delhi's commitment to maintaining close diplomatic relations with Iran despite the Prime Minister's inability to attend personally.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to undertake official visits to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, making it impossible for him to participate in the funeral ceremonies. Instead, India has entrusted experienced representatives to convey the country's condolences and solidarity with the Iranian leadership and people.
"India's decision to send a senior delegation reflects its respect for Iran while balancing the Prime Minister's prior diplomatic commitments."
The move underscores India's continued engagement with Iran, a country New Delhi considers an important partner in its extended neighbourhood.
The Iranian government has announced a multi-city state funeral programme for Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, with ceremonies scheduled from July 4 to July 9. The funeral was postponed earlier due to the regional conflict and will now be conducted with full state honours.
The official funeral itinerary includes:
- July 4-5: Khamenei's body will lie in state at Tehran's Grand Mosalla complex, allowing the public to pay their final respects.
- July 6: A grand state funeral procession will be held in Tehran with participation from senior Iranian officials and international delegations.
- July 7: Funeral prayers and a public procession will take place in the holy city of Qom.
- July 9: The final burial ceremony will be held at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, Khamenei's hometown.
Iranian authorities expect millions of mourners and several foreign dignitaries to attend the ceremonies, making it one of the country's largest public gatherings in recent years.
"The multi-city funeral ceremonies are expected to draw millions of mourners and international leaders, reflecting Ayatollah Khamenei's influence in Iran's political and religious history."
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who served as Iran's Supreme Leader for nearly four decades, died on February 28 after being killed in a reported joint US-Israeli airstrike targeting his residence in Tehran during the early phase of the West Asian conflict.
His death triggered weeks of intense military confrontation across the region before a fragile ceasefire was eventually reached. Owing to the prolonged conflict and security concerns, Iranian authorities postponed the funeral and later announced a phased state ceremony across multiple cities.
The funeral is expected to serve as both a national tribute and a symbol of political unity as Iran bids farewell to one of its longest-serving leaders.
India's participation in the funeral ceremonies highlights the enduring diplomatic, historical and cultural relationship between New Delhi and Tehran. India has consistently regarded Iran as a significant strategic partner and part of its extended neighbourhood.
Following Ayatollah Khamenei's death, India conveyed its condolences through diplomatic channels. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to sign the official condolence register on behalf of the Government of India.
During the conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar remained in touch with Iranian leaders to maintain diplomatic communication and monitor regional developments.
The participation of Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Pabitra Margherita at the funeral reflects India's continued commitment to strengthening bilateral ties while extending its respects to the Iranian leadership during a significant national occasion.
