The Iranian government invited BJP president Nitin Nabin to attend the state funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei [1].

This diplomatic gesture highlights the ongoing engagement between India and Iran during a period of leadership transition in Tehran. By inviting leaders from both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress party, Iran is utilizing formal diplomatic protocols to maintain broad ties with the Indian political establishment.

Nitin Nabin received the official invitation as part of a wider effort by the Iranian government to include foreign political figures in the state ceremonies [1]. The invitation was also extended to Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress party [1].

The funeral services are scheduled to begin July 4, 2026 [2] in Tehran. These events follow the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died Feb. 28, 2026 [2].

Iran is preparing a grand ceremony to honor the former Supreme Leader. The inclusion of diverse Indian political representatives underscores the strategic importance Iran places on its relationship with India, a key regional partner in South Asia.

Official invitations were sent to various foreign leaders to ensure the state funeral reflects the global standing of the deceased leader. The coordination of these visits involves high-level diplomatic security and protocol as Tehran prepares for the arrival of international delegations this week [2].

“Iran extended invitations to foreign political leaders as part of diplomatic protocol”

The invitation of both a BJP and a Congress leader suggests that Iran seeks to maintain a stable, multi-partisan relationship with India that transcends specific administration changes. By engaging high-ranking figures from India's primary political parties, Tehran is signaling its intent to preserve strategic and diplomatic continuity despite the vacuum left by the death of its Supreme Leader.