PTC Web Desk: Iran has publicly thanked India for sending an official delegation to the funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a move that has drawn attention amid reports that several countries either stayed away or reduced their participation following alleged diplomatic pressure from the United States.

In a statement shared on X, the Embassy of Iran in India expressed gratitude to the Government and people of India for attending the funeral ceremonies, describing the gesture as a symbol of the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

Iran calls India's presence a sign of strong bilateral ties

The Iranian Embassy said it deeply appreciated India's participation in the funeral and thanked the official delegation that represented New Delhi.

According to the embassy, the people of Iran would remember India's gesture of friendship and respect. It added that the visit reflected the enduring relationship between the two countries and would help strengthen bilateral ties in the future.

The embassy also thanked Indian leaders, public figures and citizens who conveyed condolences following Khamenei's death.

India sent an official delegation

India was represented at the funeral by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain.

The delegation was accompanied by several prominent Indian personalities, including former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and religious leaders from different faiths.

India's participation reflected its long-standing foreign policy of maintaining diplomatic engagement with countries across the Middle East despite regional rivalries.

Iranian media claims US pressured countries

Iran's public appreciation came as Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that the United States had tried to discourage several countries from attending the funeral.

Citing a senior Iranian source, the report claimed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and American diplomats contacted multiple governments before the ceremony and urged them not to send official delegations.

According to Tasnim, some countries were allegedly told that attending the funeral could affect their relations with Washington. The report also claimed that certain governments were warned about possible consequences, including reductions in development assistance or strain in bilateral ties.

The report further alleged that at least 13 countries either cancelled their participation or sent lower-level representatives. However, it did not identify those countries by name.

Neither the US State Department nor Secretary Marco Rubio has publicly responded to these allegations.

Gulf participation reportedly varied

Commenting on the diplomatic response, Persian Gulf affairs researcher Mehran Haghirian said Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman sent official delegations to the funeral, while the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain did not.

Why India's presence matters

India shares deep historical and cultural ties with Iran while also maintaining strong relations with the United States, Israel and several Arab countries.

Against this backdrop, New Delhi's decision to attend the funeral was seen as consistent with its policy of engaging with all major partners in the region.

Diplomatic observers also note that countries do not always receive individual public acknowledgements after state funerals. Iran's decision to specifically thank India highlights the importance Tehran attached to India's participation during the ceremonies.

Disclaimer: Claims regarding alleged US diplomatic pressure have been reported by Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The United States has not publicly confirmed or responded to those specific allegations.