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India's Rebuke: A Response to Iran's Supreme Leader on Muslim Treatment

India's Rebuke: A Response to Iran's Supreme Leader on Muslim Treatment
Tuesday 17 September 2024 - 08:39
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In a rare display of diplomatic tension, India has issued a stern rebuke to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, over his comments regarding the treatment of Muslims in India. The Ministry of External Affairs' statement, released on Monday, highlighted the misinformed nature of Khamenei's remarks, which were posted on the social media platform X.

The statement from New Delhi read, "Countries commenting on minorities are advised to look at their own record before making any observations about others." This curt response reflects the growing sensitivity surrounding the treatment of religious minorities in India, particularly under the current Hindu nationalist government.

While India and Iran have historically enjoyed strong economic ties, with a recent 10-year contract signed to develop the Iranian port of Chabahar, the relationship has not been without its strains. Khamenei's past criticisms of India's handling of Muslim issues and the Kashmir region have been a source of contention.

Human rights groups have raised concerns about the increasing mistreatment of Muslims under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Since 2014, there has been a rise in attacks against Muslims, hate speech, and cases of mob lynching, often under the pretext of protecting cows, which are considered holy by some Hindus.

The implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act in March 2024 has further fueled these concerns. The law, which grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from neighbouring countries, has been criticized for its exclusion of the Muslim community, raising questions about India's secular credentials.

Interestingly, Iran itself has faced accusations of discrimination against minorities. A recent UN report highlighted the disproportionate impact of Tehran's crackdown on ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Kurds and Baluchs, following the mass protests of 2022.

This diplomatic spat between India and Iran underscores the complex dynamics surrounding religious minorities in both countries. As India prepares for its upcoming election, the issue of minority rights is likely to remain a sensitive and closely watched topic.


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