Tehran/New Delhi: Iran has officially expressed its profound gratitude to the Indian government and its diverse delegation for attending the state funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi lauded the gesture as a powerful symbol of mutual respect, deep-rooted historical friendship, and enduring cultural ties between the two nations.
Ayatollah Khamenei passed away in February this year in Tehran, following a series of strikes by the US and Israel, according to Iranian officials.
On Friday, a high-level Indian delegation arrived in Tehran to pay their final respects. The official contingent was led by the Governor of Bihar, Lieutenant General (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, and the Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita.
Beyond the official government representatives, the funeral saw a significant presence from across India’s political and religious spectrum. Prominent figures, including senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, were in attendance. Furthermore, religious leaders representing India’s Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities also participated in the solemn occasion, reflecting the pluralistic nature of the Indian delegation.
The Iranian Embassy in India took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share a detailed message of appreciation. The post thanked the Indian government, the people of India, and all the representatives who traveled to Tehran.
“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India extends its heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to the friendly Government and people of India, especially the official delegation that attended on behalf of the Government and people of India,” the embassy stated in its post on July 5, 2026. The embassy emphasized that the respectful presence of Indian political leaders, parliamentarians, scholars, intellectuals, and multi-faith representatives further solidified the longstanding historical, cultural, and humanitarian connections uniting both countries. It noted that the Iranian people will “never forget India’s support and solidarity during this difficult time.”
The monumental funeral proceedings commenced on Monday morning, July 6, 2026, in Tehran. Iran’s state-run Press TV reported that the final procession is expected to last between 10 to 12 hours, drawing millions of mourners in what is being described as one of the largest public gatherings in the nation’s modern history.
The late Supreme Leader’s casket, draped in the Iranian national flag and placed on a traditionally decorated vehicle, moved slowly through streets packed with grief-stricken citizens. Security personnel continuously appealed for calm as people attempted to touch the casket or pass items toward it for blessings.
General Hasan Hasanzadeh of the Revolutionary Guards confirmed that the procession will traverse Tehran’s streets before reaching Mehrabad International Airport. From there, Ayatollah Khamenei’s remains will be flown to his birthplace, Mashhad, where he will be laid to rest at the shrine of Imam Reza.