Following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his funeral proceedings, the Iranian government expressed special gratitude toward India. The Iranian embassy welcomed the fact that the Indian government and people stood by Iran during this time of grief, and that an official Indian delegation attended the funeral. Iran described this gesture as a testament to the decades-old historical friendship and humanitarian ties between the two nations. In an emotional message posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Iranian embassy said: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India, its people, and the official Indian delegation that took part in the funeral. The presence of Indian leaders and representatives of various faiths to pay tribute to our martyred leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei is a symbol of mutual respect. The people of Iran will never forget this gesture of friendship and kindness shown by India.”
A strong, all-party Indian delegation reached Tehran for Khamenei’s funeral proceedings. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pavitra Margarita and Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain officially represented India at the event. Besides them, senior Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti also travelled to Tehran to pay their respects to Khamenei. Speaking on the occasion, Mehbooba Mufti said, “We stand with the people of Iran in this difficult time. We are grateful for the hospitality extended by the Iranian government.”
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in the US-Israel strikes that took place on February 28 this year, an event that led to severe tensions across West Asia. As part of his six-day funeral proceedings, the streets of Tehran were thronged by millions of mourners. Following his death, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was declared Iran’s new Supreme Leader. However, citing the continued threat of attacks from Israel and security concerns, security agencies advised Mojtaba to stay away from his father’s funeral proceedings.