Iran has formally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the state funeral and burial ceremonies of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on 28th February. The invitation was extended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as preparations begin for the multi-day farewell ceremonies. According to a report by WION.
The funeral events, which were delayed due to the conflict in West Asia, are scheduled to start on 4th July. Khamenei’s body will lie in state at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla complex before public processions take place in Tehran and the holy city of Qom.
The ceremonies will also include prayers in Iraq’s religious cities of Najaf and Karbala. The final burial is planned for 9th July at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Khamenei’s hometown. Iranian authorities expect millions of people to participate in the farewell events.
It is not yet clear who will represent India at the ceremonies. After the death of former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May 2024, India had declared a day of national mourning and lowered the national flag to half-mast. At that time, then Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar led the Indian delegation at the memorial events in Tehran.
India considers Iran an important part of its extended neighbourhood and shares long-standing civilizational ties with the country. During the 40-day conflict in West Asia, Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held several rounds of discussions with Iranian leaders.
In recent months, diplomatic engagement between the two countries has continued despite regional tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited New Delhi for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and held talks with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. During the visit, he also met Prime Minister Modi. Several senior Iranian officials have travelled to India recently, particularly for BRICS-related meetings hosted by New Delhi.
Invitations sent to several countries
Iran has invited representatives from a number of countries to attend the funeral ceremonies, with special focus on neighbouring nations. According to Iranian state media, several countries have already confirmed participation or indicated that they will send delegations. Expected attendees include officials from Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia, China and several Central Asian countries.
The ceremonies will mark the formal farewell to Ayatollah Khamenei, who played a central role in shaping Iran’s political and religious leadership for nearly four decades. The events are expected to draw large crowds from Iran and across the region.
