Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will represent India at the state funeral and burial ceremonies of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, per a report by The Times of India.
The decision comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a formal invitation from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to attend the ceremonies. However, the Prime Minister will be on a pre-scheduled overseas visit during the same period and will not be able to attend.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia as part of previously finalised engagements.
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Invitation from Iran
President Pezeshkian had formally invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the funeral ceremonies of Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28.
The funeral ceremonies were initially expected to take place in March. However, the ongoing conflict in the region led to their postponement.
The ceremonies are now scheduled to be held over several days in July across different cities in Iran.
Funeral ceremonies to begin on July 4
The state funeral will begin on July 4 in Tehran, where Khamenei's body will lie in state at the Grand Mosalla complex.
Public processions are also planned in Tehran and the holy city of Qom. In addition, prayers are expected to be held in the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala.
The final burial ceremony is scheduled for July 9 at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, which is Khamenei's hometown.
India to be represented by official delegation
India's delegation will be led by Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State Pabitra Margherita.
The two leaders will attend the ceremonies on behalf of the Indian government, as the Prime Minister's foreign engagements had already been fixed before the invitation from Iran was received.
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The funeral events are expected to draw representatives and delegations from several countries.
FAQs:
Who will represent India at Khamenei's funeral?
Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and MoS Pabitra Margherita will attend on India's behalf.
Why is PM Modi not attending the funeral?
He will be on a pre-scheduled visit to Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia.
