India’s delegation attends Ayatollah Khamenei’s state funeral in Tehran

India sent a high‑level delegation to Tehran for the state funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The team was led by Bihar Governor Lt‑Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, appointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a special envoy, and included Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid and People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti. The Iranian Embassy thanked India, stating the gesture would “never be forgotten” and underscored the deep historical, cultural and people‑to‑people ties between the two countries.

The funeral attracted many foreign representatives. Russia’s Deputy‑Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev attended, and Russian media noted the recent delivery of Su‑35 fighters to Iran. Reports said U.S. diplomatic pressure led at least 13 countries to decline participation. Despite that, India’s presence was highlighted as an example of its strategic autonomy in foreign policy.

The ceremony, held at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, featured traditional rites, a condolence book signing and bilateral discussions on issues such as the Chabahar port. The event highlighted India’s continued engagement with Iran amid regional tensions.