Khamenei, who had served as Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, was killed at the age of 86 on the first day of the US-Israel war with Iran on February 28.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Federal Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margarita and Governor of Bihar Syed Ata Hasnain attended the funeral ceremony of slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Friday, representing India and paying their respects on behalf of the government and the people.
Khamenei, who had served as Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, was killed at the age of 86 on the first day of the US-Israel war with Iran on February 28. Iran planned to hold a six-day funeral ceremony, starting on Saturday, to honor him. Follow live updates related to Khamenei’s funeral here.
The Indian delegation at Khamenei’s funeral
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked during his weekly media briefing about India’s representation at the funeral ceremony which was attended by several foreign dignitaries.
In response, he said that Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Governor of Bihar Lieutenant General (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain have been sent to represent India.
He said, “With regard to the Indian government, we issued a press statement regarding this from our side… Governor of Bihar State, Lieutenant General Syed Atta Hasnain (retired), along with Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, are in Tehran today to represent India there (in the burial ceremony)… for the late Iranian Supreme Leader.”
In a post on the I also attach some pictures from the ceremony.
Bihar Raj Bhavan also said that the Governor conveyed his deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent conflict in West Asia.
“India was represented at the funeral ceremony of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei in Tehran today, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs @PmargheritaBJP. She also expressed her deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent conflict,” the governor’s office posted.
The Iranian Embassy in India also shared photos of Hassanein and Margherita showing their respect at the place where the mourning ceremony for Khamenei was held.
Mehbooba Mufti Salman Khurshid also attended the ceremony
In addition to the official Indian delegation, a number of prominent Indian figures attended the ceremony after receiving invitations.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti was among those present. Former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid attended the ceremony on behalf of the Congress Party.
Religious leaders from Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities in India also paid tribute to the late Iranian leader.
Khamenei’s funeral
According to Iranian state media, the main funeral ceremony is scheduled to take place in Tehran on July 6.
The funeral ceremony will continue in the holy city of Qom on July 7, while Khamenei is scheduled to be buried in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9.
With input from agencies
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