India to send MoS Pabitra Margherita, Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain to Khamenei Funeral in Iran

India will be represented by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain at the funeral ceremony of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to government sources.

The decision comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the funeral, with the government instead deputing a senior minister and a gubernatorial representative to participate in the official proceedings. The move is seen as part of India’s diplomatic engagement with Iran during a sensitive geopolitical moment.

According to reports, Iranian authorities had extended invitations to several global leaders for the ceremony. India’s representation at a high level reflects the importance New Delhi places on its bilateral relations with Tehran, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions and energy security concerns linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

Pabitra Margherita, who serves as Minister of State for External Affairs, is expected to represent the central government’s position, while Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain will attend in an official capacity as part of the Indian delegation. Their participation underscores India’s continued diplomatic outreach and strategic balancing in West Asia.

The funeral arrangements for Khamenei, who played a central role in Iran’s political and religious establishment, are expected to draw international attention, with multiple countries sending official delegations.