Indian Dignitaries to Attend Funeral of Iran's Late Supreme Leader
Indian Representation at Iranian Leader's Funeral
A file image of Union Minister Pabitra Margherita. (Photo:X)
New Delhi, July 1: Pabitra Margherita, the Minister of State for External Affairs, along with Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, will represent India at the burial ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, taking place on July 3 in Iran.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the visit on Thursday, confirming that the two officials will attend the funeral of the deceased Iranian leader.
According to a statement from the ministry, this high-level representation highlights the significance of the civilizational bonds and people-to-people connections between India and Iran, which serve as a strong basis for political and economic relations.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian had extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the funeral.
Khamenei, who led Iran for three decades, passed away on February 28, coinciding with extensive US and Israeli air strikes on Tehran.
The funeral events will commence with a farewell ceremony in Tehran from July 4-5, followed by the main funeral procession scheduled for July 6, as reported by Iran's state media.
On July 7, additional ceremonies will take place in the holy city of Qom, with the burial set for Khamenei's hometown of Mashhad on July 9.