indian-delegation-pays-tribute-to-khamenei-in-tehran

An Indian delegation on Friday paid tribute to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran ahead of the formal state funeral ceremonies, with representatives from the government, political parties and religious organisations joining mourners from around the world.

 

The delegation was led by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, who represented the Government of India. Iran had invited India to participate in the funeral ceremonies following Khamenei's death earlier this year.

 

The Embassy of Iran in India shared photographs of the delegation on social media, stating that Indian dignitaries had paid tribute to the late leader at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, where Khamenei's coffin has been placed for public homage ahead of the week-long funeral observances.

 

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The Indian delegation also included Congress leaders Salman Khurshid and Pawan Khera, People's Democratic Party chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, and Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian president Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al Safavi.

 

Several other Indian religious and political leaders, including National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah, People's Conference leader Imran Ansari, Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi, Masroor Abbas Ansari and Jain monk Acharya Lokesh Muni, were also invited to the ceremonies, though it was not immediately clear whether all of them attended.

 

Following the tribute, Mehbooba Mufti said on X that it was an honour to be in Tehran to express condolences on the death of Khamenei, describing him as a leader who stood with the oppressed.

 

Iran has begun a week of funeral ceremonies for Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli strike in February. The burial, delayed because of the conflict and security concerns, is scheduled to take place in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9 after ceremonies in several cities. Foreign delegations from numerous countries are attending the state mourning events.