Bihar Governor, Salman Khurshid, Mehbooba Mufti: Check full list of Indian leaders and religious figures attending Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Iran

The state funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to draw delegates from across the world, including a high-level Indian delegation comprising political leaders, government representatives and religious figures. The funeral, which was delayed for months following regional conflict, will now take place after the ceasefire, with ceremonies scheduled in Tehran and later in Mashhad.

According to official announcements, India will be represented by Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita at the state funeral. Several political leaders and religious personalities from India are also expected to travel to Iran to pay their respects.

India Sends Official Delegation to Iran

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will visit Iran on July 3 to represent India at the state funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The funeral comes months after Khamenei’s reported death during the US-Israel conflict on February 28. Due to the security situation and ongoing military tensions in the Middle East, funeral ceremonies were postponed. Following the ceasefire, Iran has now announced a multi-day state funeral programme beginning on July 4 in Tehran.

The final burial ceremony is scheduled for July 9 in Mashhad, the northeastern holy city where Khamenei will be laid to rest.

Political Leaders from India to Attend

Apart from the official government delegation, several Indian political leaders are expected to attend the funeral ceremonies.

Congress leader Salman Khurshid confirmed that he will represent his party at the event. Speaking before his departure, Khurshid said he would attend the state funeral on behalf of the Congress.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti is also scheduled to travel to Iran for the ceremony.

Meanwhile, reports said that Iran has invited senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to attend the funeral. However, there has been no official confirmation on whether he will accept the invitation.

Religious Leaders Also Part of Delegation

Several prominent religious leaders from India are expected to participate in the funeral ceremonies.

Among those travelling are Jain monk and spiritual leader Acharya Lokesh Muni, National Conference MP and Shia cleric Aga Syed Ruhullah, J&K People’s Conference leader and Shia scholar Imran Ansari, Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi, Masroor Abbas Ansari, and Aga Syed Hasan Mosavi Al Safavi.

Their participation reflects the religious and cultural significance of the ceremony for different communities maintaining ties with Iran.

Funeral to Be Held After Months of Delay

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for 36 years and remained one of the country’s most influential political and religious figures. He was widely known for his strong criticism of the United States and his role in shaping Iran’s foreign and domestic policies.

According to the information released, Khamenei was killed during the US-Israel military conflict earlier this year. The regional conflict that followed prevented immediate funeral arrangements, leading to months of delay.

With the ceasefire now in place, Iran has finalized the state funeral schedule. Delegations from several countries are expected to attend the ceremonies in Tehran before the final burial in Mashhad, making it one of the country’s most significant state events in recent years.