Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the state funeral and burial ceremonies of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, according to several media reports citing information shared by Iranian authorities.
The ceremonies, which were initially expected to take place in March, were postponed because of the conflict in the region. They are now scheduled to be held across multiple Iranian cities in July.
Authorities expect large public participation during the ceremonies, which are expected to mark the final farewell to a leader who played a central role in Iran’s political system for decades.
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Funeral ceremonies to begin in July
The state funeral is scheduled to begin on July 4, when Khamenei’s body will lie in state at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla complex, reported News18.
Public processions are planned in Tehran and Qom, while prayers are also expected to be held in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. The final burial ceremony is scheduled for July 9 at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, which is described as Khamenei’s hometown.
The funeral was originally expected to take place between March 4 and March 6 but was postponed because of the conflict in the region, News18 reported.
India and Iran maintain close ties
Following Khamenei’s reported death in February, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and signed the condolence book on behalf of the Government of India.
India and Iran have maintained longstanding diplomatic and civilisational ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs minister S Jaishankar have also held discussions with Iranian leaders during the recent conflict in West Asia.
India had earlier sent high-level delegations to Iran following the death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in 2024. Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar attended the funeral ceremonies in Tehran, while Union Minister Nitin Gadkari represented India at President Masoud Pezeshkian’s swearing-in ceremony later that year.
Regional participation expected
Iranian Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi recently visited New Delhi for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where he held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and met Prime Minister Modi.
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According to Iranian state media cited by News18, invitations have been extended to several countries. Delegations are expected from Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia, China and a number of Central Asian nations.
FAQs:
Has PM Modi been invited to Khamenei's funeral?
Yes, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly extended an invitation.
When are Khamenei's funeral ceremonies scheduled?
The ceremonies are expected to begin on July 4 and conclude on July 9.
