Iran Invites Indian Political Leaders to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Funeral
Iran has invited prominent Indian political leaders to attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral, reflecting the importance of bilateral ties as high level delegations prepare for ceremonies across multiple cities.
Iran Extends Invitation to Indian Leaders
Iran has officially invited senior leaders from several Indian political parties to attend the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The invitation is being viewed as a diplomatic gesture aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between India and Iran.
Among those invited are BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, senior Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, along with representatives from several other political parties. Salman Khurshid has already confirmed that he will attend the funeral on behalf of the Congress.
Leaders From Across Political Spectrum Invited
The invitation list also includes Congress MP Imran Masood, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari, Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi, Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa, and Jain spiritual leader Acharya Lokesh Muni, founder of the international social organisation Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti.
Their participation is expected to reflect India’s diverse political and social representation at the international event.
India Likely to Send Official Delegation
Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had personally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the funeral. However, diplomatic sources indicate that India is more likely to be represented by a high level official delegation instead of the Prime Minister.
The proposed delegation may include Bihar Governor General Syed Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, although the final composition is yet to be officially announced.
Funeral Ceremonies Across Multiple Cities
The funeral ceremonies are scheduled to begin in Tehran on July 4. After tribute events in Qom and selected religious sites in Iraq, the final burial is expected to take place in Mashhad on July 9.
Iran is preparing for the arrival of hundreds of thousands of mourners and official delegations from many countries. Authorities have tightened security nationwide, with additional measures in place across major cities to ensure the ceremonies proceed peacefully.
