By S A H Rizvi
Chief of Bureau, New Delhi
The Times Kuwait
On behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India, Bihar Governor Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), serving as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy, conveyed India’s condolences to Iran’s senior leadership during his visit to Tehran for the state funeral of the late Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei.
General Hasnain met the First Vice President, the Chief Justice, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and other senior dignitaries, conveying condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India. He also recorded a message in the official Condolence Book.
Describing the visit as a singular honour, General Hasnain said he was privileged to have been nominated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead the Indian delegation on an occasion of immense historic and diplomatic significance.
The delegation comprised Mr. Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs; Dr M. Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary (Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran Division), Ministry of External Affairs; and Officer on Special Duty Colonel Nadeem Arshad. The delegation was supported throughout by the Embassy of India in Tehran under the leadership of Ambassador Gaurav Shresth.
Travelling aboard a special Embraer aircraft, the delegation reached Tehran via Oman as Pakistani airspace remained unavailable. On arrival at Mehrabad Airport, the delegation was received by senior Iranian officials, including the Deputy Defence Minister.
Following a brief halt and a traditional Iranian lunch, the delegation proceeded in ceremonial attire to the Grand Mosalla, where thousands had assembled for the state funeral. Numerous foreign delegations also attended, highlighting the ceremony’s international significance.
Escorted by an Iranian military officer, the Indian delegation paid its respects at the casket of the late leader. General Hasnain offered prayers in keeping with both Islamic and Indian traditions, reflecting India’s enduring civilisational ethos of inclusiveness and respect for all faiths.
During the visit, General Hasnain held talks with Iran’s Deputy Interior Minister on the enduring importance of India-Iran relations, including the strategic significance of Chabahar Port. Both sides expressed confidence that the recent conflict would prove only a temporary interruption in the continued growth of bilateral cooperation.
General Hasnain commended Ambassador Gaurav Shresth and the entire Embassy of India in Tehran for their meticulous planning and seamless management of a complex diplomatic engagement involving numerous international delegations.
Reflecting on the visit, General Hasnain observed that despite the recent conflict, Tehran remained calm and orderly. Essential services functioned normally, supplies were uninterrupted, and many damaged buildings had already been restored, underscoring the resilience and determination of the Iranian people.
He concluded by describing it as a profound privilege to represent India and lead the nation’s delegation on an occasion of considerable diplomatic and historic importance.
General Hasnain also paid special tribute to Colonel Oscar Fernandez, KC, Defence Attaché at the Embassy of India in Tehran, for his professionalism, dedication and outstanding leadership during the recent evacuation of Indian citizens, describing his service as exemplary.
