Tehran: Iran has expressed its gratitude to India for participating in the state funeral ceremonies of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, describing the gesture as a symbol of the enduring friendship and historical ties between the two nations. In a statement shared on X, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India thanked the Indian government, public representatives and religious leaders who paid their respects during the period of national mourning.
The message comes as Iran continues week-long funeral ceremonies for Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike in February. The Iranian government has sought to highlight the international participation at the funeral as a reflection of its diplomatic relationships.
Iranian Embassy expresses gratitude to India
In a detailed post on X, the Iranian Embassy said it sincerely appreciated the participation of the Indian delegation and people who attended the funeral ceremonies.
“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India extends its heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to the friendly government and people of India, especially the official delegation that attended on behalf of the government and people of India, for participating in the funeral ceremonies and paying tribute to the martyred leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,” the embassy said.
The statement added that Iran would always remember India’s “gesture of friendship, compassion and heartfelt respect.”
According to the embassy, the participation reflected the strong historical, cultural and people-to-people ties shared by the two countries.
High-level Indian delegation attends ceremony
India was represented at the funeral by a high-level official delegation.
The delegation included Bihar Governor Lieutenant General (Retired) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, who paid floral tributes during the funeral proceedings.
Their participation marked India’s official representation at the ceremony and underscored the diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Tehran.
Political and religious leaders also pay tribute
Apart from the official delegation, several prominent Indian political leaders and religious representatives also attended or offered tributes.
Among them were Congress leader Salman Khurshid and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti.
The embassy also acknowledged the presence of Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Christian religious leaders from India, saying their participation demonstrated solidarity with the Iranian people during a period of national mourning.
According to the embassy, the attendance of leaders from different faiths highlighted the spirit of mutual respect between the two countries.
Embassy highlights long-standing ties
In its statement, the Iranian Embassy said the participation of Indian leaders, scholars, Members of Parliament and religious representatives reflected the deep-rooted relationship between India and Iran.
It described their presence as a “powerful expression of mutual respect and sincere solidarity with the people of Iran.”
The embassy further stated that the people of Iran regarded India’s support as a valuable foundation for strengthening bilateral friendship in the future.
It concluded by once again thanking Indian officials, distinguished personalities and citizens who expressed sympathy following Khamenei’s death.
Funeral procession continues in Tehran
Meanwhile, Iran’s state broadcaster Press TV reported that Khamenei’s funeral procession began in Tehran on Monday morning.
Authorities expect the procession to continue for approximately 10 to 12 hours as large crowds line the route through the capital.
Khamenei’s flag-draped coffin, along with those of several members of his family who were killed in the February airstrike, was placed on a ceremonial vehicle decorated to resemble the ornamental grating surrounding the shrine of an imam.
Thousands of mourners gathered along the procession route, with many reaching out to touch the ceremonial structure or offering scarves and other items to be blessed by attendants.
Extensive security arrangements in place
Iranian authorities have implemented extensive security measures for the funeral ceremonies because of the expected turnout.
Officials repeatedly urged mourners to move slowly, avoid overcrowding and remain along the sides of the procession route.
Roads across Tehran have been closed, while restrictions have also been imposed on airspace and public activities during the mourning period.
According to Iranian officials, the funeral ceremonies will conclude later this week with Khamenei’s burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.
Conclusion
Iran’s public expression of gratitude towards India highlights the cordial diplomatic relationship between the two countries despite ongoing regional tensions. The participation of India’s official delegation, political leaders and representatives from multiple religious communities was described by Tehran as a significant gesture of friendship, reinforcing the longstanding historical and cultural links shared by both nations.
Excerpt: Iran has thanked India for participating in Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s state funeral, calling it a gesture of friendship and a reflection of strong bilateral ties.
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