Iran praises India for attending Khamenei's funeral (Img: X)
New Delhi: Iran has thanked the Government of India and the Indian people for participating in the funeral ceremonies of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing the gesture as a "powerful expression of mutual respect" and a reflection of the longstanding ties between the two countries.
In a statement shared on X, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India expressed gratitude to the official Indian delegation, political leaders, scholars and members of different faiths who attended the ceremonies in Tehran.
The embassy said the participation of the Indian delegation reflected the deep historical, cultural and people-to-people bonds shared by the two nations.
"The esteemed presence of political leaders, Members of Parliament, eminent scholars, intellectuals, and leaders of India's diverse faiths... stood as a powerful expression of mutual respect and sincere solidarity with the people of Iran during this time of national mourning," the embassy said.
It added that Iran would always remember India's gesture of friendship and compassion and hoped it would further strengthen bilateral relations.
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain represented the Government of India at the funeral ceremony in Tehran.
Senior Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti also attended the ceremonies.
The two-day public farewell ceremony in Tehran witnessed millions of mourners paying tribute to Khamenei, who was killed during the recent Iran-Israel conflict.
Senior Iranian political and military leaders attended the funeral and pledged to continue Khamenei's legacy. His three sons were present at the ceremony, while his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, did not attend. Iranian officials said he was recovering from injuries sustained during the conflict.
