'Look at own record first': India slams Iran's Khamenei over minority safety remarks
Ayatollah Khamenei has asked India to adopt fair policies and prevent the oppression of Kashmir’s Muslim population.
India has strongly rejected comments made by Iran’s Supreme Leader regarding the treatment of minorities in the country.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed strong disapproval, saying, "We firmly reject the misinformed and unacceptable remarks made about minorities in India by the Supreme Leader of Iran. Nations making such comments are encouraged to first reflect on their own records before criticising others."
Khamenei urges unity
The remarks came after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) addressing the suffering of Muslims in India, Gaza, and Myanmar. "The enemies of Islam have always tried to divide us, making us indifferent to our shared identity as an Islamic Ummah. We cannot call ourselves Muslims if we ignore the suffering of our brothers in Myanmar, Gaza, India, or elsewhere," he wrote.
In a separate post, Khamenei spoke about the plight of people in Gaza and Palestine, urging unity among the Islamic Ummah. "Supporting the oppressed people of Gaza and Palestine is our duty. Neglecting this responsibility will lead to divine accountability," he warned.
Close partners
India and Iran have a deep-rooted history of cultural and historical connections, with mutual influences spanning art, literature, and trade for centuries. Their trade relationship has been especially strong in the energy sector, with Iran serving as a key oil supplier to India.
Both countries have also collaborated on strategic projects, such as the development of Iran's Chabahar Port, which serves as a key counterbalance to Pakistan's Gwadar Port.
Not the first time
This is not the first time Khamenei has commented on India's internal matters. In August 2019, after India revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status, he raised concerns about the treatment of Muslims in the region.
The Ayatollah also urged the Indian government to adopt fair policies and prevent the oppression of Kashmir’s Muslim population.