India has criticised Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s remarks on the treatment of Muslims, calling them “misinformed and unacceptable”.
“We cannot call ourselves Muslims if we are ignorant of the sufferings of Muslims in Myanmar, Gaza, India or elsewhere,” Khamenei said in a social media post on September 16.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed “regret” over the remarks.
“Countries that comment on minorities should look at themselves before commenting on others,” an Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said.
India and Iran have strong ties, most recently signing a 10-year agreement to develop and operate the Chabahar port in Iran.
India is building a port in Chabahar on Iran’s southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman to develop a shipping route to Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, bypassing Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwadar ports, which have hostile relations with India.
However, Mr Khamenei has repeatedly criticised India on issues related to Indian Muslims and the Muslim-majority Kashmir region.
