Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and others attend the funeral ceremony of Ayatollah Khamenei (Image/PTI) NEW DELHI: The Embassy of Iran in India expressed gratitude to the government and people of India for participating in the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, saying the gesture reflected the ‘deep historical, cultural and human bonds’ between the two countries.In a post on X, the embassy thanked the official Indian delegation, political leaders and citizens who attended the ceremonies and paid tribute to Khamenei. Watch EMOTIONAL: Khamenei’s 3 Sons Break Down In Tears, But No Sign Of Mojtaba At Final Farewell”The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India extends its heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to the friendly Government and people of India, especially the official delegation that attended on behalf of the Government and people of India, for participating in the funeral ceremonies and paying tribute to the martyred Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,” the embassy said.The embassy said the presence of Indian political leaders, Members of Parliament, scholars, intellectuals and representatives of different faiths highlighted the close relationship between the two countries.”The esteemed presence of political leaders, Members of Parliament, eminent scholars, intellectuals, and leaders of India’s diverse faiths and religious communities at these solemn ceremonies reflected the deep historical, cultural, and human bonds between our two nations. It also stood as a powerful expression of mutual respect and sincere solidarity with the people of Iran during this time of national mourning,” it said.Expressing appreciation for India’s participation, the embassy said the gesture would not be forgotten by the Iranian people.”The people of Iran will never forget this gesture of friendship, compassion, and heartfelt respect. They regard it as a precious testament to the enduring ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of India, and as a valuable foundation for further strengthening the longstanding friendship between our two countries,” the post added.The embassy also thanked Indian officials, public figures and citizens who expressed sympathy following Khamenei’s death.”The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India once again conveys its sincere appreciation to all Indian officials, distinguished personalities, and the noble people of India who stood with the people of Iran and expressed their sympathy during this period of grief,” it said.The message came after an Indian delegation travelled to Tehran to attend the state funeral ceremonies, which were attended by foreign dignitaries, religious leaders and representatives from nearly 100 countries. External affairs state minister Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain represented the government at the ceremony.The delegation also included senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, who paid tribute to Khamenei during the ceremonies.According to Iranian state media, the funeral ceremonies began at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran before continuing across several cities in Iran and Iraq. Authorities mounted extensive security arrangements for the six-day mourning period.Following Khamenei’s death, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Iranian media reported that he would not attend the funeral ceremonies because of security concerns amid continued regional tensions.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123PhotostoriesInside Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa’s lavish home: A massive living room, stunning balcony views and moreHow princes and princesses were raised in ancient India: A childhood shaped by duty, not privilegeOne motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth dateRanveer Singh birthday special: Revisiting the ‘Dhurandhar’ star’s top-grossing movies of all time“Saving ₹5,000 a month will not change your life”: Why Ranveer Allahbadia’s money advice for people earning under ₹50,000 hits different for womenHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the root123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralJoSAA Counselling 2026Mumbai school holidayMumbai rainBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment
NEW DELHI: The Embassy of Iran in India expressed gratitude to the government and people of India for participating in the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, saying the gesture reflected the ‘deep historical, cultural and human bonds’ between the two countries.In a post on X, the embassy thanked the official Indian delegation, political leaders and citizens who attended the ceremonies and paid tribute to Khamenei.“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India extends its heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to the friendly Government and people of India, especially the official delegation that attended on behalf of the Government and people of India, for participating in the funeral ceremonies and paying tribute to the martyred Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,” the embassy said.The embassy said the presence of Indian political leaders, Members of Parliament, scholars, intellectuals and representatives of different faiths highlighted the close relationship between the two countries.“The esteemed presence of political leaders, Members of Parliament, eminent scholars, intellectuals, and leaders of India’s diverse faiths and religious communities at these solemn ceremonies reflected the deep historical, cultural, and human bonds between our two nations. It also stood as a powerful expression of mutual respect and sincere solidarity with the people of Iran during this time of national mourning,” it said.Expressing appreciation for India’s participation, the embassy said the gesture would not be forgotten by the Iranian people.“The people of Iran will never forget this gesture of friendship, compassion, and heartfelt respect. They regard it as a precious testament to the enduring ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of India, and as a valuable foundation for further strengthening the longstanding friendship between our two countries,” the post added.The embassy also thanked Indian officials, public figures and citizens who expressed sympathy following Khamenei’s death.“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India once again conveys its sincere appreciation to all Indian officials, distinguished personalities, and the noble people of India who stood with the people of Iran and expressed their sympathy during this period of grief,” it said.The message came after an Indian delegation travelled to Tehran to attend the state funeral ceremonies, which were attended by foreign dignitaries, religious leaders and representatives from nearly 100 countries. External affairs state minister Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain represented the government at the ceremony.The delegation also included senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, who paid tribute to Khamenei during the ceremonies.According to Iranian state media, the funeral ceremonies began at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran before continuing across several cities in Iran and Iraq. Authorities mounted extensive security arrangements for the six-day mourning period.Following Khamenei’s death, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Iranian media reported that he would not attend the funeral ceremonies because of security concerns amid continued regional tensions.
![Congress targets PM Modi after passport rank slips to 125th NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday criticised PM Modi’s government over India’s recent passport rankings, alleging that its policies had hurt the country’s global reputation. He also questioned the recent increase in passport fees, saying citizens were paying more despite what he described as poor services.In a post on X, Kharge referred to Prime Minister Modi’s 2018 remarks about the strength of the Indian passport and said the current rankings did not support those claims.”Modi Govt’s policies are responsible for hurting India’s global reputation,” Kharge wrote.”PM Modi claimed in 2018: ‘People travelling and living abroad know the respect and strength of the Indian passport today.’ Where is that ‘strength’ reflected? Facts bely his assertions,” he said.Citing different global passport rankings, Kharge claimed that India’s position had weakened over the years.”In one global passport ranking, India has fallen from 74th in 2013 to 80th in June 2026. [World Economic Forum] Another global passport index places India at a dismal 125th in 2026. [Global Citizen Solutions],” he wrote.Kharge also criticised the government’s decision to increase passport charges, saying fees had gone up without any improvement in services.”Instead of improving services, the Modi Govt has made passports more expensive. Passport fees have been hiked from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while Tatkal charges have gone up to Rs 5,000,” he said.The Congress chief also alleged that foreign tourist arrivals had not recovered to pre-pandemic levels and questioned the government’s tourism and visa policies.”Even with respect to the ease of travelling to India, Foreign Tourist Arrivals are still below pre-COVID levels: They have dropped from 10.93 million (2019) to 9.95 million (2024). Is the Modi Govt masking this failure by clubbing NRI arrivals with foreign tourist data? Why is India’s official visa application portal still so outdated and confusing that it resembles a website from the late 1990s? No one in India, the land of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ wants to welcome the tourists like this?” he wrote.Concluding his post, Kharge questioned the government’s claims about India’s international standing.”If the passport is weaker, tourism has not recovered, visa services are lacklustre and citizens are paying more for substandard services, then where exactly is this much-advertised global respect? Reality bites. India’s reputation suffers. Courtesy: Modi Govt!” he said.Kharge’s remarks came after the Global Passport Index 2026 ranked India 125th, down from 124th last year, with visa-free access to 26 destinations. The ranking placed India behind countries including the Philippines, Morocco, Uzbekistan and China, but ahead of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.His comments also follow the Centre’s decision to revise passport application fees from July 1, 2026. Under the new rates, the fee for a fresh or reissued 36-page ordinary passport has increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while the Tatkal charge has risen from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000. The fee for a 60-page passport has increased to Rs 3,500, with the Tatkal charge revised to Rs 6,000.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123PhotostoriesOne motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth dateInside Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa’s lavish home: A massive living room, stunning balcony views and moreRanveer Singh birthday special: Revisiting the ‘Dhurandhar’ star’s top-grossing movies of all time“Saving ₹5,000 a month will not change your life”: Why Ranveer Allahbadia’s money advice for people earning under ₹50,000 hits different for womenHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? Doctor shares 5 things you should do the moment you reach home123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralJoSAA Counselling 2026Mumbai school holidayMumbai rainBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/1783335554_photo.jpg "Congress targets PM Modi after passport rank slips to 125th NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday criticised PM Modi’s government over India’s recent passport rankings, alleging that its policies had hurt the country’s global reputation. He also questioned the recent increase in passport fees, saying citizens were paying more despite what he described as poor services.In a post on X, Kharge referred to Prime Minister Modi’s 2018 remarks about the strength of the Indian passport and said the current rankings did not support those claims.”Modi Govt’s policies are responsible for hurting India’s global reputation,” Kharge wrote.”PM Modi claimed in 2018: ‘People travelling and living abroad know the respect and strength of the Indian passport today.’ Where is that ‘strength’ reflected? Facts bely his assertions,” he said.Citing different global passport rankings, Kharge claimed that India’s position had weakened over the years.”In one global passport ranking, India has fallen from 74th in 2013 to 80th in June 2026. [World Economic Forum] Another global passport index places India at a dismal 125th in 2026. [Global Citizen Solutions],” he wrote.Kharge also criticised the government’s decision to increase passport charges, saying fees had gone up without any improvement in services.”Instead of improving services, the Modi Govt has made passports more expensive. Passport fees have been hiked from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while Tatkal charges have gone up to Rs 5,000,” he said.The Congress chief also alleged that foreign tourist arrivals had not recovered to pre-pandemic levels and questioned the government’s tourism and visa policies.”Even with respect to the ease of travelling to India, Foreign Tourist Arrivals are still below pre-COVID levels: They have dropped from 10.93 million (2019) to 9.95 million (2024). Is the Modi Govt masking this failure by clubbing NRI arrivals with foreign tourist data? Why is India’s official visa application portal still so outdated and confusing that it resembles a website from the late 1990s? No one in India, the land of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ wants to welcome the tourists like this?” he wrote.Concluding his post, Kharge questioned the government’s claims about India’s international standing.”If the passport is weaker, tourism has not recovered, visa services are lacklustre and citizens are paying more for substandard services, then where exactly is this much-advertised global respect? Reality bites. India’s reputation suffers. Courtesy: Modi Govt!” he said.Kharge’s remarks came after the Global Passport Index 2026 ranked India 125th, down from 124th last year, with visa-free access to 26 destinations. The ranking placed India behind countries including the Philippines, Morocco, Uzbekistan and China, but ahead of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.His comments also follow the Centre’s decision to revise passport application fees from July 1, 2026. Under the new rates, the fee for a fresh or reissued 36-page ordinary passport has increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while the Tatkal charge has risen from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000. The fee for a 60-page passport has increased to Rs 3,500, with the Tatkal charge revised to Rs 6,000.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123PhotostoriesOne motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth dateInside Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa’s lavish home: A massive living room, stunning balcony views and moreRanveer Singh birthday special: Revisiting the ‘Dhurandhar’ star’s top-grossing movies of all time“Saving ₹5,000 a month will not change your life”: Why Ranveer Allahbadia’s money advice for people earning under ₹50,000 hits different for womenHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? Doctor shares 5 things you should do the moment you reach home123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralJoSAA Counselling 2026Mumbai school holidayMumbai rainBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment")
