Indian Leaders Attend Khamenei's Funeral in Tehran
Senior Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, along with Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti, participated in the funeral prayers for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran on July 5, 2026. The funeral followed Khamenei's death in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, 2026.
Khurshid Highlights India-Iran Civilizational Ties
Salman Khurshid paid tribute to Khamenei, emphasizing the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between India and Iran. According to the official account of the Embassy of Iran in India, Khurshid stated, "Periodically somebody surfaces who dedicates best parts of their life to civilizational link between India & Iran; & Ayatollah Khamenei actually personified that relationship which goes back for centuries." He noted that the bond between New Delhi and Tehran transcends modern diplomacy, rooted in a shared history spanning centuries.
Khurshid also quoted in a post by the Iranian embassy: "The martyred Imam, Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei, was not only a teacher during his lifetime; his martyrdom also became an enduring lesson for the world."
Mehbooba Mufti Expresses Solidarity with Iran
Mehbooba Mufti, who attended the funeral, shared her thoughts on X (formerly Twitter): "As I depart from Tehran my thoughts are with it's brave leadership & resilient people in this moment of profound loss and grief. We will always stand with you. Deepest gratitude to the Iranian government for being such gracious & warm hosts. It's been an honour to be here."
Official Indian Representation at Funeral
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Syed Ata Hasnain represented India at the funeral ceremony on behalf of the Government and people of India. Margherita posted on X: "Hon'ble @GovernorBihar and I represented India at the funeral ceremony for Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, former Supreme Leader of Iran, in Tehran. Conveyed our respects on behalf of the Government and the people of India."
Funeral Processions and Burial Plans
Iran began week-long funeral processions on July 5. The casket containing Khamenei's body was placed in a glass case at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran, where it will lie in state until July 6. According to Tasnim News Agency, "the capacity of the main courtyard of Mosalla was filled hours before the start of the congregational prayer." Khamenei will be buried at the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, his birthplace, on July 10. Funeral prayers were also held for four members of Khamenei's family who were killed in the same US-Israeli strike on February 28.
