Bihar Governor, MoS Margherita to attend Khamenei's funeral in Iran
New Delhi, July 2
Bihar Governor Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain and Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will visit Iran on Friday to attend the funeral ceremony of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Saturday.
Khamenei was killed in an epochal attack by the US and Israel on February 28, marking an inflexion point in the 46-year Shia-theocratic rule. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was selected as Iran's new Supreme Leader in March.
"The high-level representation in the ceremony underscores the importance of civilizational ties, including people-to-people connection, between the two countries, providing a robust foundation to political and economic engagements," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The funeral of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei is set to begin in Tehran on July 4, Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported.
Farewell ceremonies will be held at Imam Khomeini's Mosalla prayer hall in Tehran on July 4-5, followed by funeral procession ceremony in Tehran on July 6. Another funeral procession ceremony will take place in Iran's Qom city on July 7.
The final funeral ceremony will be held in Mashhad on July 9, followed by burial at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), Tasnim News Agency reported.
On March 5, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, on behalf of the Government of India, signed the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and offered condolences on the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Misri met Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali and offered condolences over the demise of Khamenei.
"Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri visited the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and signed the condolence book, on behalf of the people and the Government of India, on the demise of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While it's important to attend such events diplomatically, I hope our government is also keeping a close eye on the changing dynamics in West Asia. Khamenei's death has shifted the power equation, and India must be careful not to get caught between US-Israel and Iran tensions.
Interesting that Bihar Governor, who is a former military officer, is part of this delegation. Symbolism matters in diplomacy - sending a senior leader with defense background sends a subtle message of strength alongside condolence. Smart move.
The timing of this funeral is quite significant - July 4th is American Independence Day. India sending high-level representation on that date is a clear statement that we have our own independent foreign policy. We don't bow to anyone. 👏
I appreciate the diplomatic gesture, but let's not forget that India has strong ties with Israel too. We need to maintain balance in West Asia. Hope our delegation also engages quietly with other regional players while in Tehran.
The mention of Imam Reza's shrine in Mashhad is poignant - many Indian Shia Muslims have deep spiritual connections there. This funeral is not just political but also deeply religious for millions. Respectful that India is honouring that sentiment.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.