Comments uncalled for, says MEA after Iran minister’s Delhi riots remark

India has lodged a strong protest against Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif’s “organised violence against Indian Muslims” remark and said it does not expect such comments from a country like Iran, the ministry of external affairs said on Tuesday (March 3).

In a tweet on Monday, Zarif had “condemned” what he referred to as organised violence against Muslims in India. His comments comes day after communal riots erupted in Delhi, killing at least 47 people and injuring hundreds others.

Iran condemns the wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims.

For centuries, Iran has been a friend of India. We urge Indian authorities to ensure the wellbeing of ALL Indians & not let senseless thuggery prevail.

Path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law.

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) March 2, 2020

“Iran condemns the wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims. For centuries, Iran has been a friend of India. We urge Indian authorities to ensure the well being of ALL Indians & not let senseless thuggery prevail. Path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law (sic),” his tweet read.

Subsequently, India summoned Iranian Ambassador Ali Chegeni on Tuesday and lodged a strong protest against Zarif’s “unwarranted remark” and conveyed to him that his “selective characterisation of recent events in Delhi aren’t acceptable”.

“Iranian Envoy to India was summoned and a strong protest was lodged against unwarranted remarks made by the Iranian foreign minister. It was conveyed that his selective and tendentious characterisation of recent events in Delhi aren’t acceptable. We don’t expect such comments from a country like Iran,” the MEA said on Tuesday.

Related news: As Delhi burned, calls to cops went unanswered for 72 hours: Report