Tensions Rise Between India and Iran Over Ayatollah Khamenei’s Comments on Indian Muslims

Iran has so far been vocal about the oppressed Muslims of Palestine, but this time it has opened its mouth about the plight of Muslims under the Modi government of India. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s comments have created an uproar in the Delhi administration, which has also led to tensions between India and Iran. Ayatollah Khamenei on Monday complained that Muslims in Gaza, Myanmar and India are facing persecution.
Addressing a rally in Tehran on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Ayatollah Khamenei said that Muslims in India are being oppressed. Part of his speech spread on social media, where he spoke about the plight of Muslims in Myanmar, Gaza and India. “We cannot claim to be Muslims by remaining indifferent to the oppression of Muslims in places like Gaza, Myanmar and India,” Khamenei noted.”
Soon after Khamenei’s remarks, there was a strong reaction from Delhi. India’s foreign ministry condemned Khamenei’s comments as “inaccurate and unacceptable”. They further stated that Iran’s Supreme Leader made these remarks without any supporting evidence. Delhi also advised Iran that other nations should examine their own human rights records before commenting on the situation of minority Muslims in India. Despite this, Iran plays a crucial role in opposing Israel in West Asia, while India continues to import 80% of its oil from the region. India also has deep dependency on security equipment related issues with Israel. Although India and Iran have a long-standing good relationship, Iran reacts to any persecution of Muslims in India. Khamenei had previously criticised the Modi government after revoking Kashmir’s special status in 2019.