India Confirms Official Delegation for Ayatollah Khamenei Funeral in Iran: Top Names Announced
India will send a high-level official delegation to Iran to attend the funeral and commemorative ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, according to government sources cited in media reports.
The delegation will include Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor and former Army Lieutenant General (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, who will represent India at the state-level observances.
Iran Extends Invitation to PM Modi
The development comes after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian formally extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the funeral and related state ceremonies. However, India has decided to send an official delegation instead of the Prime Minister.
Multi-Day Mourning Programme in Iran
Iran is preparing for extensive national mourning ceremonies scheduled from July 4 to July 9, with large-scale public participation expected across multiple cities.
The main funeral proceedings will begin in Tehran, where the late leader’s body will lie in state at the Grand Mosalla complex, allowing mourners to pay their respects.
A major funeral procession is scheduled for July 6 in Tehran, followed by memorial events in Qom and Mashhad. Burial ceremonies are expected to conclude at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad on July 9.
Regional and International Participation Expected
Authorities in Iran are expecting a massive turnout for the ceremonies, with reports suggesting millions of participants across different cities. Neighbouring countries, including Iraq, are also planning parallel memorial events in holy cities.
