Head of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Mehbooba Mufti, and others attend the funeral ceremony of Ayatollah Khamenei (Image/PTI)
New Delhi: The Embassy of Iran in India has expressed its gratitude to the government and people of India for participating in the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, saying the gesture reflects the “deep historical, cultural and humanitarian ties” between the two countries.In a post on the X website, the embassy thanked the official Indian delegation, political leaders and citizens who attended the celebrations and praised Khamenei.The embassy said: “The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India expresses its sincere gratitude and sincere appreciation to the government and people of friendly India, especially the official delegation that attended on behalf of the government and people of India, for their participation in the funeral ceremony and honoring the martyr leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei.”
The embassy said that the presence of Indian political leaders, members of Parliament, scholars, intellectuals and representatives of different religions highlighted the close relationship between the two countries.“The distinguished presence of political leaders, Members of Parliament, eminent scholars, intellectuals, interfaith leaders and diverse religious communities of India at these solemn celebrations reflects the deep historical, cultural and humanitarian ties between our two countries.
It was also a strong expression of mutual respect and sincere solidarity with the Iranian people during this period of national mourning.”The embassy expressed its appreciation for India’s participation and said that the Iranian people will not forget it.“The Iranian people will never forget this sincere gesture of friendship, sympathy and respect. They consider it a precious testimony to the enduring relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of India, and a valuable basis for further strengthening the long-standing friendship between our two countries,” the post added.The embassy also thanked the Indian officials, public figures and citizens who expressed their sympathy after Khamenei’s death.She added: “The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India once again expresses its sincere appreciation to all Indian officials, eminent personalities and the noble people of India who stood by the Iranian people and expressed their sympathy during this time of grief.”The message came after an Indian delegation traveled to Tehran to attend the official funeral ceremony attended by foreign dignitaries, religious leaders and representatives from about 100 countries.
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Governor of Bihar Lieutenant General (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain represented the government at the ceremony.The delegation also included prominent Congress Party leader Salman Khurshid and Peoples Democratic Party head Mehbooba Mufti, who praised Khamenei during the ceremony.According to Iranian official media, the funeral ceremony began in the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran before continuing across several cities in Iran and Iraq.
The authorities have launched extensive security arrangements for the six-day mourning period.After Khamenei’s death, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Iranian media reported that he would not attend the funeral ceremony due to security concerns amid continuing regional tensions.
