“These are misinformed and unacceptable. Countries commenting on minorities are advised to look at their own record before making any observations about others,” New Delhi has said.”
India has strongly criticized the comments made by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei about Indian Muslims. Khamenei posted on X on the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, where he compared the sufferings of Indian Muslims with those in Gaza.
The Indian government responded by saying that Khamenei’s comments were “unacceptable” and “misinformed”. The government added that countries should look at their own record before making comments about others.
Khamenei’s comments read: “We cannot consider ourselves to be Muslims if we are oblivious to the suffering that a Muslim is enduring in #Myanmar, #Gaza, #India, or any other place.” He also said that “the enemies of Islam have always tried to make us indifferent with regard to our shared identity as an Islamic Ummah”.
The comments came at a time when tensions between Iran and Israel were escalating, which has caused discomfort in New Delhi. India has close ties with both countries and shares concerns about terrorism from Pakistan and Afghanistan. The country also hopes to benefit from the Chabahar port in Iran.
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India has a strategic relationship with Israel, particularly in defense and security, and both countries have suffered from terrorist attacks. India lent support to Israel after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, which was carried out by Hamas.
The Indian government’s response is seen as a strong message against external interference or criticism on internal issues related to religious minorities.