In a recent diplomatic clash, India has condemned comments made by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei regarding the treatment of Muslims in the country, calling his remarks “misinformed and unacceptable.”
In a social media post on Monday, Khamenei stated, “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.”
India’s foreign ministry responded by “strongly deploring” the comments. A spokesperson emphasized, “Countries commenting on minorities should first examine their own records before making observations about others.”
India and Iran have generally maintained a strong relationship, exemplified by a 10-year contract signed in May for the development and operation of the Iranian port of Chabahar. This port, located on Iran’s southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman, is being developed by India to facilitate transportation to Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, bypassing the rival ports of Karachi and Gwadar in Pakistan.
Khamenei has previously been critical of India over issues related to Indian Muslims and the disputed region of Kashmir.