Iran invites PM Modi to Khamenei funeral
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the burial ceremonies of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to diplomatic sources.
The multi-day State funeral is scheduled to be held from July 5 to July 9 across key Iranian cities. Sources said there has been no confirmation yet from the Indian side regarding the Prime Minister’s participation. No official word has been issued so far by the Prime Minister’s Office or the Ministry of External Affairs, sources said.
Khamenei, who guided Iran for nearly 36 years, was killed on February 28 during the opening day of intense US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. His death came amid escalating regional conflict that has reshaped West Asian geopolitics.
The funeral programme, as shared by Iranian officials, includes official ceremonies and public mourning events in Tehran and Qom on July 5, 6 and 7. The final burial rites in the holy city of Mashhad on July 9.
The invitation was conveyed through diplomatic channels, with the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi reaching out to the Ministry of External Affairs. India had conveyed its condolences soon after Khamenei’s demise, with senior officials expressing grief over the veteran leader’s passing.
Experts said the Indian Government is currently weighing its response, keeping in view India’s strategic interests in the region and its relations with Iran, Israel and the United States. Any decision on high-level representation will be taken after careful assessment of the evolving situation.
The ceremonies are expected to draw heads of state and senior dignitaries from several countries. New Delhi’s choice of participation or representation will be closely watched for signals on India’s diplomatic balancing act in the volatile West Asian theatre.
