Tehran/New Delhi, 04 July (H.S.): India was officially represented at the state funeral ceremony of former Iranian Supreme Leader Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, with Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain attending the event in Tehran on Friday.

Sharing details of the visit, Margherita said he and Governor Hasnain conveyed India's condolences and paid their respects on behalf of the Government and the people of India during the solemn ceremony attended by senior Iranian leaders and foreign delegations.

The funeral marked the beginning of Iran's official farewell to Khamenei, who was killed in Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on February 28. His body has been placed in state at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran, where thousands of mourners and international dignitaries have gathered to offer their final respects before his burial scheduled for Monday, July 6.

The ceremony drew representatives from several countries, including Russia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and other regional partners, reflecting the international significance of the event. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, senior government officials, military commanders and religious leaders also attended the proceedings.

The funeral is taking place amid a fragile ceasefire following months of conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Security has been significantly tightened across Tehran as authorities prepare for large public gatherings expected during the week-long mourning ceremonies.

The Indian delegation's presence at the funeral reflects the country's diplomatic outreach and its gesture of respect to Iran during a significant moment in the nation's political history.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar