Iranian envoy summoned over Tehran's comments on Delhi violence

India on Tuesday summoned Iran's Ambassador Ali Chegeni and lodged a strong protest over the "unwarranted" comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif over communal violence in the national capital. The Iranian envoy was conveyed that Zarif's "selective and tendentious" characterization of incidents in Delhi are not acceptable, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

In a tweet on Monday, Zarif said Iran condemned the "wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims" and urged Indian authorities to "not let senseless thuggery" prevail. In response to a media query, Kumar said India does not expect such comments from a country like Iran.

"The Iranian Ambassador to India Mr. Ali Chegeni was summoned and a strong protest was lodged against the unwarranted remarks made by the Iranian foreign minister," he said. "It was conveyed that his selective and tendentious characterization of recent events in Delhi are not acceptable. We do not expect such comments from a country like Iran," he added.

The ties between India and Iran have been on an upswing over the last few years. Notwithstanding US sanctions against Iran, India has been maintaining a cordial relationship with Tehran and has been actively involved in the development of the strategically located Chabahar port in the Gulf nation. Zarif had visited India in January in the midst of Tehran's escalating tension with the Trump administration over the killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Sulemani in a US military strike.

"Iran condemns the wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims. For centuries, Iran has been a friend of India. We urge Indian authorities to ensure the wellbeing of ALL Indians & not let senseless thuggery prevail," Zarif tweeted. "Path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law," he added.

The national capital witnessed horrific violence last week following clashes between supporters and those opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act. According to authorities, at least 42 people were killed in the violence. Massive protests took place across India in the last two months over the new law with the opposition parties and rights groups terming it as violative of founding principles of the Indian Constitution.

Rejecting the criticism, the government has been accusing the opposition parties of misleading people on the law for political gains. The new law provides for granting citizenship to non-Muslims from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who were victims of religious persecution.