Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sparked a diplomatic row with India after criticizing the treatment of Muslims in the country. In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Khamenei expressed concern over the situation of Muslims in India, Gaza, and Myanmar.
Khamenei stated that the international community is witnessing these issues silently. He added that those who ignore the plight of Muslims in these regions cannot be considered true Muslims.
In response, India's Foreign Ministry issued a statement describing Khamenei's remarks as "factually inaccurate" and "unwarranted". The ministry suggested that countries should examine their own human rights records before commenting on others.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions regarding the treatment of religious minorities in India. Critics have pointed to incidents of discrimination and violence against Muslims under the current government, while Indian officials maintain that the country upholds the rights of all citizens.
This diplomatic incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing global attention to human rights issues in India, particularly concerning its Muslim population.