Iran invites BJP's Nitin Nabin and Congress' Kharge to Khamenei's funeral: Why and will they attend?

Tehran: Iran has invited BJP president Nitin Nabin and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to attend the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as India prepares to send a cross-party delegation for the ceremonies in Tehran.

According to Hindustan Times reports, Iran has invited BJP president Nitin Nabin and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to attend the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28.

The funeral ceremonies are scheduled to begin in Tehran next week, with several world leaders and official delegations expected to attend.

India likely to send official delegation

According to reports, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain are expected to represent the Indian government at the funeral programme in Tehran on July 4.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also received an invitation from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, although it is considered unlikely that he will attend personally. The Indian government has not yet officially announced the final composition of its delegation.

Iran has extended invitations to leaders and representatives from several countries, including China, Russia, Pakistan and Qatar.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already confirmed that an official Pakistani delegation will participate in the funeral ceremonies.

Funeral schedule announced

After several postponements following Khamenei's death, Iranian authorities have finalised the funeral programme.

Funeral ceremonies are scheduled to be held in Tehran on July 6, Qom on July 7, and Mashhad on July 9, where Khamenei will be buried at the Imam Reza shrine.

The ceremonies coincide with Muharram, one of the holiest periods in the Shiite Muslim calendar, and Iranian authorities have invited people from across the world to participate.

Khamenei led Iran from 1989 until his death in 2026, making him one of the country's longest-serving leaders. His funeral comes months after the US-Israeli strikes that triggered a wider regional conflict. India's participation reflects its diplomatic balancing act as it maintains strategic ties with Iran while also strengthening relations with the United States and Israel.