Iran has expressed gratitude to India for sending an official delegation to the funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, saying the gesture reflected the enduring friendship and deep historical ties between the two countries.
The message came after a high-level Indian delegation, led by Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, attended the funeral ceremonies in Tehran. Congress leader Salman Khurshid, People’s Democratic Party chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, as well as Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Christian religious leaders from India, also paid their respects.
‘Gesture Of Friendship And Mutual Respect’
In a statement posted on X, the Iranian Embassy in India thanked the Indian government, its delegation and the people of India for standing with Iran during a 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,” the statement said, adding that the participation of Indian representatives in the funeral ceremonies honoured Ayatollah Khamenei and demonstrated solidarity with the Iranian people.
The embassy said the presence of Indian political leaders, parliamentarians, scholars, intellectuals and religious figures reflected the “deep historical, cultural and human bonds” shared by the two nations.
Calling the visit “a powerful expression of mutual respect and sincere solidarity,” the embassy said the Iranian people would “never forget this gesture of friendship, compassion and heartfelt respect.” It added that India’s participation would help further strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
Funeral Procession Through Tehran
Iran’s state-run Press TV reported that Khamenei’s funeral procession began in Tehran on Monday morning and was expected to continue for nearly 12 hours.
His flag-draped coffin, along with those of family members killed in the February 28 airstrike, was carried through the capital on a specially decorated truck as vast crowds gathered to pay their final respects. Many mourners reached out to touch the vehicle or held up scarves and personal belongings in keeping with traditional mourning customs.
Authorities deployed heavy security and appealed to people to move slowly and avoid pushing as the procession made its way through Tehran towards Mehrabad International Airport.
The funeral is part of a week-long mourning period that began on Saturday and will conclude on Thursday with Khamenei’s burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. Iranian authorities have closed major roads, restricted airspace and suspended several public activities as hundreds of thousands continue to gather for the ceremonies.
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