In a key diplomatic gesture, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, has been invited to Tehran as a distinguished guest of India to attend the state funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
The invitation, extended by Mohseen Qummi, Director of International Relations at the Office of the Supreme Leader, underscores the historical and strategic ties between India and Iran. Expressing gratitude, Mufti said, "It is an immense honour and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pay my last respects to the supreme leader."
The funeral ceremonies will be held at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla Complex from July 3 to July 6, with global dignitaries and diplomatic delegations in attendance. The schedule includes a formal farewell on July 3, a commemoration on July 4, and the final procession on July 6.
Mufti's presence as symbolic of the deep-rooted friendship between two ancient civilizations, adding weight to India's representation at the solemn occasion.