Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's State Funeral To Begin July 4; Iranian President Invites PM Modi To Attend

As Iran prepares for one of the most significant state ceremonies in its modern history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been formally invited to attend the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, highlighting the importance Tehran places on its relationship with New Delhi.

The invitation, extended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, comes months after Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28. While the funeral was initially planned for March, regional tensions and the ongoing conflict in West Asia forced authorities to postpone the ceremonies until July.

Funeral To Span Multiple Cities

Iran has planned an extensive series of events to honour Khamenei, who led the country for nearly four decades and played a defining role in its political and religious establishment.

The state funeral will begin on July 4 in Tehran, where his body will lie in state at the Grand Mosalla complex. Public processions are also scheduled in Tehran and Qom, while prayers will be offered in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

The final burial ceremony is expected to take place on July 9 at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Khamenei's hometown. Iranian authorities expect millions of mourners to participate in the farewell ceremonies.

Invitation Reflects Strategic India-Iran Ties

The invitation to Prime Minister Modi is being viewed as a reflection of the longstanding relationship between India and Iran despite shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Following Khamenei's death earlier this year, India conveyed its condolences through diplomatic channels. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and signed the condolence book on behalf of the Indian government.

India has consistently maintained engagement with Iran on issues ranging from regional stability to economic cooperation, while both countries continue to share deep historical and civilisational links.

High-Level Engagement Continued During Regional Conflict

The invitation also comes amid continued diplomatic exchanges between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar remained in touch with Iranian leaders during the recent 40-day conflict in West Asia.

More recently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited New Delhi for the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting. During the visit, he held talks with Jaishankar and also met Prime Minister Modi, underscoring ongoing dialogue between the two countries.

Global Delegations Expected In Tehran

Iran has invited leaders and representatives from across the world to participate in the ceremonies. According to Iranian state media, several countries have already signalled their intention to attend.

Delegations are expected from Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia, China and several Central Asian nations, making the funeral one of the largest diplomatic gatherings hosted by Iran in recent years.

For India, the invitation presents another opportunity to reaffirm ties with a key regional partner at a time when geopolitical equations in West Asia continue to evolve.