India has finalized its representation for the funeral ceremonies of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an official invitation from Iran to attend the state funeral, the Indian government has decided to send Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain to represent the country. An official confirmation from New Delhi is expected shortly.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran as Supreme Leader since 1989, was killed during the opening phase of the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran in February 2026, according to Iranian state media. The strike reportedly also claimed the lives of several senior military commanders and members of his family, while his son Mojtaba Khamenei was injured and later succeeded him as Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Iran has announced that the funeral ceremonies will take place from July 4 to July 9 across Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad. The main funeral procession will be held in Tehran on July 6, followed by religious ceremonies in Qom on July 7. Khamenei will be laid to rest on July 9 at the Imam Reza shrine in his hometown of Mashhad. Iranian authorities expect millions of mourners to participate, making it one of the country’s largest state funerals in recent history.

India’s decision to send a ministerial delegation instead of the Prime Minister reflects New Delhi’s diplomatic approach of maintaining engagement with Iran while balancing its broader strategic interests in the Middle East. The visit is expected to reaffirm India’s longstanding ties with Tehran during a significant moment in Iran’s political history.