New Delhi Criticizes Khamenei's Remarks on Muslims in India; 'Incorrect and Unacceptable'

The Indian government has strongly criticized recent remarks by Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, regarding what he termed the 'suffering of Muslims' in India, deeming them based on incorrect information. In a statement released on Monday, September 16, the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep regret over Khamenei's comments, stating: 'This is incorrect and unacceptable information.' On the same day, Khamenei, during a meeting with Sunni clerics, called for unity among the 'Islamic Ummah' and said: 'We cannot consider ourselves Muslims while being indifferent to the suffering of Muslims in Gaza, Myanmar, India, and elsewhere.' The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected these remarks and urged Iran and other countries that criticize the conditions of minorities in India to consider their own human rights records before passing judgment. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has suggested that Iran be designated as a 'country of particular concern' due to its long history of suppressing religious minorities, including Baha'is and Christian converts. Khamenei has previously commented on India and its Muslims, including during a Hajj message in 2010 that led to the Indian government summoning the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi. Reports from various international organizations indicate rising ethnic and religious tensions in India in recent years, exacerbated by laws allowing non-Muslim citizens from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to obtain Indian citizenship after six years of residency. The opening of a temple built on the ruins of a historic mosque by the Indian Prime Minister has also highlighted these tensions.