Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has made a remark this past Monday, which happened to be on Prophet Mohammed’s birth anniversary, that has caused India to produce a counter response. The remark he made stated that India, among other countries such as Myanmar and Gaza, is a place where Muslims are suffering. He then proceeded to call for solidarity among the worldwide community. India’s response to this remark was that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is “misinformed” and that the countries making these remarks should check their own records before commenting on others. Hours after Khamenei’s statement, the Indian government reacted, calling it “unacceptable” and that they strongly deplore his comments made regarding the minorities in India.
The remarks made between Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Indian government are important towards the region because it risks straining diplomatic ties with India, which is a diverse nation with a sizable Muslim population. I believe that India should focus more on the Muslim minority that Iran had called out, so that Iran stops commenting about Muslims suffering in countries such as India, Myanmar, and Gaza. India’s quick response to the remark shows us their sensitivity to external criticism regarding its treatment of minorities. This interaction emphasizes the complex nature of the countries in South Asia, where religion is a major factor in straining ties between countries and causing disturbances.
One of the ways that India can respond to the remarks made by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei include strengthening ties with other Muslim-majority nations. This would help showcase to Iran and other countries India’s commitment to its Muslim citizens, and would help change the perception that Muslims are suffering in India. One of the ways that Iran can respond to the suffering of Muslims is by increasing outreach efforts to Indian Muslims. This would emphasize global solidarity and shared religious values.
Both Iran and India are part of an IGO known as the United Nations (UN). The United Nations are often the ones that handle issues regarding human rights. Iran could raise its concerns about the treatment of Muslims in India with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). India can also use the UNHRC to defend its policies and demonstrate its commitment to minority rights. The council would then investigate or release statements on the issues, which could potentially also lead to a resolution between Iran and India on the view of Indian Muslims.