Iran has expressed its appreciation to India for taking part in the state funeral of the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India describing the participation as a "powerful expression of mutual respect" that underscored the longstanding historical and cultural relationship between the two nations.
On Friday, India was represented by a high-level delegation that included Bihar Governor Lieutenant General (Retired) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. The delegation paid tribute to the Iranian supreme leader, who was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes in Tehran in February.
Congress leader Salman Khurshid, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, as well as Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Christian religious leaders from India, also attended to pay homage to the late Iranian leader.
In an extensive post on X, the Iranian Embassy conveyed its gratitude to the Indian government and people, saying the Islamic Republic would always remember the support shown during the period of national mourning.
"The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India extends its heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to the friendly government and people of India, especially the official delegation that attended on behalf of the government and people of India, for participating in the funeral ceremonies and paying tribute to the martyred leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei," the post read.
The embassy said the participation of political leaders, Members of Parliament, scholars, intellectuals and representatives of India's diverse religious communities highlighted the "deep historical, cultural, and human bonds between our two nations."
"It also stood as a powerful expression of mutual respect and sincere solidarity with the people of Iran during this time of national mourning. The people of Iran will never forget this gesture of friendship, compassion, and heartfelt respect. They regard it as a precious testament to the enduring ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of India, and as a valuable foundation for further strengthening the longstanding friendship between our two countries," the post said.
"The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India once again conveys its sincere appreciation to all Indian officials, distinguished personalities, and the noble people of India who stood with the people of Iran and expressed their sympathy during this period of grief," it added.
According to Iran's state broadcaster, Press TV, the funeral procession for Ali Khamenei began in Tehran on Monday morning and is expected to continue for between 10 and 12 hours, with mourners gathering along the route in what it described as "the largest public gathering in the country's modern history."
Khamenei's flag-draped coffin, along with those of his family members killed in the February 28 airstrike at the beginning of the war launched by Israel and the United States, was placed on a truck specially decorated to resemble the ornamental grating surrounding the shrine of an imam.
The vehicle moved slowly through vast crowds of mourners dressed in black, many of whom stretched out to touch the decorative grating. Others threw scarves and personal belongings toward attendants so they could be brushed against the coffin, a customary practice in Iran regarded as a blessing. Attendants also sprayed misted water over the crowds to provide relief from the summer heat.
Officials repeatedly appealed for calm during the procession, using loudspeakers to urge mourners to walk slowly, avoid pushing and remain at the sides of the road amid concerns over the safety risks posed by the massive gathering.
Revolutionary Guard Gen. Hasan Hasanzsdeh, who is overseeing the procession, said the coffins would travel through the streets of Tehran before reaching Mehrabad International Airport as part of the approximately 12-hour journey.
Iran's leadership expects the large turnout across the capital to demonstrate public support for the government. Hundreds of thousands of people have already assembled in public squares throughout Tehran, carrying flags and banners in honour of Khamenei.
Authorities have closed roads, restricted airspace and suspended normal daily activities for the mourning period, which began on Saturday and will continue until Thursday, when the 86-year-old Khamenei is scheduled to be buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.
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