Late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly three decades, was killed on February 28, the first day of large-scale US and Israeli air strikes on Tehran. File photo: Wikimedia commons
Khamenei's funeral: Iran invites Nabin, Kharge; India to send delegates
The funeral ceremonies will be held in Tehran and Qom on July 5, 6 and 7, followed by the final rites in Mashhad on July 9
Iran has reportedly invited BJP and Congress presidents Nitin Nabin and Mallikarjun Kharge, respectively, to attend the funeral ceremonies of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to media reports.
The funeral ceremonies will be held in Tehran and Qom on July 5, 6 and 7, followed by the final rites in Mashhad on July 9.
Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly three decades, was killed on February 28, the first day of large-scale US and Israeli air strikes on Tehran. His funeral was delayed for over four months due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and security concerns.
Indian delegates to attend
The invitation comes after Tehran had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the funeral. However, India decided against sending the Prime Minister personally and is instead expected to send Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita as the country’s representatives.
Also read: Iran invites PM Modi to Khamenei’s funeral; New Delhi yet to decide
According to sources, Margherita and Hasnain are expected to attend the ceremony scheduled in Tehran on July 4 on behalf of the Indian government. Hasnain, one of the few members of the Shia community currently holding a constitutional position in India, is also expected to represent New Delhi at the event.
Other attendees
Apart from India, leaders from China, Russia, Pakistan and Qatar have also been invited for the funeral programme. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that an official delegation will attend the ceremonies.
Iranian media, quoting the organisers, said the event has been opened to “all noble and dear people, the free people of the world, followers of the school of Islam, and those interested in Iran”.
Also read: India issues travel advisory for Israel and Iran, urges citizens to leave conflict zones
Municipal estimates have projected a massive turnout of around 15 to 20 million people, which could make it one of the largest state funerals in the modern history of the Islamic Republic.
Modi speaks to Iranian president
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (June 30). During the interaction, Pezeshkian briefed Modi on recent developments in West Asia and the way forward.
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which he said remains critical for India and the global community.