‘This gesture of friendship will never be forgotten’: Iran thanks India for attending Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Mufti and others attended the funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei (Photo/PTI)

New Delhi: The Iranian Embassy in India expressed gratitude to the Indian government and people for attending the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the move reflected the “deep historical, cultural and humanistic ties” between the two countries.In X’s post, the embassy thanked the official Indian delegation, political leaders and citizens who attended the ceremony and paid tribute to Khamenei.The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India expressed its heartfelt gratitude and sincere gratitude to the friendly Government and people of India, especially the official delegation present on behalf of the Government and people of India for attending the funeral and extending its heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude to the martyr His Excellency Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.The embassy said the presence of Indian political leaders, MPs, academics, intellectuals and representatives of different faiths highlighted the close ties between the two countries.“The presence of political leaders, members of Congress, eminent scholars, intellectuals and leaders of India’s various faith and religious groups at these solemn ceremonies reflects the deep historical, cultural and humanistic ties between our two countries. It is also a powerful expression of mutual respect and sincere solidarity with the people of Iran during this period of national mourning,” the statement said.The embassy appreciated India’s participation and said the people of Iran would not forget this gesture.“The people of Iran will never forget this gesture of friendship, sympathy and heartfelt respect. They consider it a precious testament to the enduring relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of India and a valuable basis for further strengthening the long-standing friendship between our two countries,” the post added.The embassy also thanked Indian officials, public figures and citizens who expressed sympathy over Khamenei’s death.“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India once again expresses its sincere gratitude to all Indian officials, eminent personalities and noble people of India who stand with the people of Iran and express their sympathy in this moment of grief,” the statement said.The news comes after an Indian delegation traveled to Tehran to attend a state funeral ceremony, which was attended by foreign dignitaries, religious leaders and representatives from nearly 100 countries. External Affairs Minister Pabitra Margarita and Bihar Governor Lieutenant General Syed Atta Hasnan represented the government at the ceremony.The delegation also included senior Congress leader Salman Khushed and People’s Democratic Party chairman Mehbooba Mufti, who paid tribute to Khamenei at the ceremony.According to Iranian state media, the funeral began at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran and continued in several cities in Iran and Iraq. Authorities implemented extensive security measures during the six days of mourning.After Khamenei’s death, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Iranian media reported that he would not attend the funeral due to security concerns due to continued regional tensions.