Iran invites Narendra Modi for Khamenei funeral ceremonies; New Delhi yet to respond

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to attend the funeral and burial ceremonies of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to diplomatic sources familiar with the matter.

The invitation comes as Iran prepares for a series of ceremonies honouring Khamenei, who served as the country's Supreme Leader for more than three decades and was killed during the opening phase of the recent conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

There has been no official word from New Delhi on whether Modi will attend the events, which are expected to draw leaders and dignitaries from several countries.

The reported invitation has gained added attention after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he would travel to Iran to participate in the funeral ceremonies. If he attends as planned, Sharif would be among the prominent foreign leaders present at the event.

According to sources, the funeral observances are scheduled between July 5 and July 9 across multiple Iranian cities. Ceremonies are expected to be held in Tehran and the holy city of Qom, with the final burial event set to take place in Mashhad on July 9.

With PTI inputs