India sent an official delegation to Tehran to attend the funeral ceremony of Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lieutenant General (Retired) Syed Ata Hasnain represented the Government of India and paid their respects on behalf of the country, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed.
Khamenei, who served as Iran's Supreme Leader from 1989, was killed at the age of 86 on February 28, the first day of the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Iran has organised six days of funeral ceremonies to honour its longtime leader.
India Sends Official Delegation
During the Ministry of External Affairs' weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed India's participation in the funeral ceremony. He said the government had deputed Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain to represent India at the event in Tehran.
"As far as the government of India is concerned, we issued a press statement on it that from our side.. Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) and along with him minister of state for external affairs Pabitra Margherita, they are in Tehran today to represent India there (at the burial ceremonies)... for Iran's late Supreme Leader's," he said.
Tribute by Senior Representatives of the Government of India to the Martyred Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. pic.twitter.com/i6xMYpbU1V
— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) July 3, 2026
Margherita Shares Message From Tehran
After attending the ceremony, Pabitra Margherita shared a message on X. He said India paid tribute to the late Iranian leader on behalf of the government and its people.
“Hon'ble @GovernorBihar and I represented India at the funeral ceremony for Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, former Supreme Leader of Iran, in Tehran. Conveyed our respects on behalf of the Government and the people of India.”
He also shared photographs from the funeral ceremony.
Bihar Governor Offers Condolences
The Bihar Raj Bhavan also released a statement after the ceremony. It said Governor Syed Ata Hasnain expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the recent conflict in West Asia.
“Represented India at the funeral ceremony of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran today, along with MoS External Affairs @PmargheritaBJP. Also extended deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent conflict," the governor's office posted.
The Embassy of Iran in India also shared photographs showing Hasnain and Margherita paying their respects during the mourning ceremony.
Other Indian Leaders Also Attend
Several Indian public figures attended the funeral after receiving invitations from Iranian authorities. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti attended the ceremony.
An honour for me to be here in Tehran to express my deepest condolences & solidarity on the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei- a revered leader who dared to stand against the tide & fought for the oppressed. pic.twitter.com/dyfRbNXhsr
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 3, 2026
Former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid also participated on behalf of the Congress party. In addition, religious leaders from India's Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities joined the ceremony and paid tribute to the late Iranian leader.
Funeral Procession to Continue Across Iran
Iran's state media said the main funeral procession in Tehran is scheduled for July 6. The ceremonies will then move to the holy city of Qom on July 7. Iranian authorities will bury Khamenei in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9, bringing the six-day period of national mourning to an end.