New Delhi: Iranian President Masoud Pejeshkian has sent an official invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the state funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei. Khamenei died in an air strike by America and Israel in February.
Who will represent India?
At present it is not clear who will attend the funeral from the Indian side. Earlier, after the death of Khamenei on February 28, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had gone to the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and signed the condolence book.
In May 2024, when the then Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash, India had declared national mourning. At that time the Indian delegation led by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar had gone to Tehran.
Funeral will start from 4th July
After being postponed due to conflict, now the funeral program will start from July 4. First of all, Khamenei’s body will be kept in the Grand Mosallah Complex in Tehran.
After this, public processions will be taken out in Tehran and Qom city. Prayer meetings will also be held in Najaf and Karbala of Iraq. He will be laid to rest on July 9 at Imam Reza Dargah in Mashhad. Iranian officials expect millions of people to come to pay their respects.
History of India Iran relations
India has always considered Iran as its close neighbor and civilizational partner. PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to Iranian leaders several times during the 40-day conflict in West Asia.
Recently, amid the ceasefire, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi came to Delhi for the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers. He held bilateral talks with S Jaishankar and also met PM Modi. In the last few months, several Iranian officials have visited India for BRICS meetings.
Invitations sent to many countries
Giving special attention to neighboring countries, Iran has sent invitations to many countries. According to Iranian media, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia, China and many countries of Central Asia will participate in it. Most of the countries have confirmed sending their representatives. Khamenei led Iran for nearly four decades. This state funeral is being organized to bid him an official farewell.
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