Iran Invites PM Modi to Khamenei Funeral Ceremonies
State funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader to be held from July 4 to July 9 across Tehran, Qom and Mashhad
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend Ali Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies.
- Multi-city state funeral will begin on July 4 and conclude with burial in Mashhad on July 9.
- Several world leaders, including Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, are expected to attend.
- New Delhi is yet to officially confirm India’s representation at the ceremonies.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th June: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has formally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the state funeral and burial ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to diplomatic sources.
The invitation comes ahead of a multi-city state funeral scheduled to begin on July 4 in Tehran and conclude with Khamenei’s burial in the holy city of Mashhad on July 9. Ceremonies are also planned in the religious city of Qom on July 7.
Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic of Iran for 36 years, was killed on February 28 during the opening phase of US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran, according to Iranian state media and international reports.
Sources said the invitation has been conveyed through diplomatic channels, though there has been no official confirmation from New Delhi regarding whether Prime Minister Modi will attend the ceremonies or who will represent India.
The funeral is expected to attract millions of mourners from across Iran and a large number of foreign dignitaries. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is among the leaders expected to participate in the ceremonies.
Following Khamenei’s death, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, assumed the position of Supreme Leader in March, marking a significant transition in Iran’s political leadership.
The invitation is being viewed as an important diplomatic gesture reflecting the longstanding ties between India and Iran. The two countries maintain cooperation in areas including connectivity, energy, trade and regional security, with the development of the Chabahar Port project remaining a key pillar of bilateral engagement.
Officials are expected to take a decision on India’s participation in the funeral ceremonies closer to the event.
