Indian Leaders Honor Iran's Late Supreme Leader Ahead of Funeral

Tributes Paid by Indian Dignitaries

Prominent Indian political figures, including Mehbooba Mufti, the leader of the People's Democratic Party, and senior Congress member Salman Khurshid, have paid their respects to the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, prior to the official state funeral ceremonies in Tehran. The Iranian Embassy in India announced this on social media, indicating that these dignitaries honored the late leader ahead of the formal proceedings, with plans to participate in the significant state ceremonies. An image shared by the Iranian Embassy showcased Mufti and Khurshid, along with other delegates, as they prepared for the high-profile events.

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Mufti traveled from New Delhi to Tehran on Thursday evening to attend the funeral ceremonies scheduled to begin on July 4, making her the only non-Shia politician from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh invited by Iran. Following the departure of these notable political figures, an official government delegation also left from the national capital. Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, departed from his residence in Delhi on Friday morning, as India prepares to join the international delegations arriving in Iran. He, along with Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, is set to attend the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader.

Preparations for Khamenei's Funeral

Iran Prepares for the Funeral

The visit by Indian leaders coincides with the start of state mourning rituals in Tehran. Iranian state media reported that the first phase of the funeral ceremonies for the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution has begun, with foreign dignitaries and religious figures paying their respects at Tehran's Grand Mosalla. On Friday morning, the remains of the late Leader, along with those of his companions, were transported to this significant religious site in the capital and placed in the main prayer hall. State media confirmed the arrival of the casket, stating, "The body of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution has arrived at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla."

The initial ceremonies have attracted a significant number of international guests who have come to express their condolences. Reports indicate that religious scholars and cultural figures from Indonesia and Afghanistan were among the first to pay tribute as the multi-day state proceedings officially began. Meanwhile, large crowds of mourners have gathered in the streets of Tehran ahead of the formal ceremonies, which are set to occur from July 4 to July 9. Many residents dressed in black have assembled in the capital, waving Iranian flags and singing ceremonial hymns, while some held portraits of the late leader.