New Delhi: Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian raised the issue of the controversial remarks about the Prophet Muhammad made by two former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries, and called for “serious attention to Muslims’ sensitivities” during a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval Wednesday.
In response, New Delhi once again reassured Tehran that India respects the Prophet and that appropriate action has been taken against those who made the comments.
Amir-Abdollahian, who is currently on a three-day visit to India on an invitation by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed regional security issues.
India and Iran Wednesday also signed an Agreement of Mutual Legal Assistance on Civil and Trade Matters, relating to transnational organised crime.
According to a readout by the Foreign Ministry of Iran, “Referring to the negative atmosphere created by some people in disrespecting the holy site of the Prophet of Islam, the Indian official reiterated the respect of the Indian government and officials for the Holy Prophet. Wrongdoers will be dealt with at the level of the government and related bodies in a way that is a lesson to others.”
The Iranian foreign minister also expressed “satisfaction with the position of the Indian authorities in dealing with the transgressors.”
During the meeting, NSA Doval emphasised the “need for comprehensive expansion of relations” between the two countries, including the “need to create a strategic committee to expand relations in all fields and the readiness of the Indian government” to develop relations at “all levels – bilateral, multilateral and regional,” the Iranian statement said.
Doval and Amir-Abdollahian also talked about the use of the Chabahar Port, the second phase of which is being developed, and how it can made useful for greater trade with Afghanistan.
On Afghanistan, both sides also discussed the use of capacities to counter terrorism at the bilateral and regional levels as part of the broader defence and security cooperation.
During Amir-Abdollahian’s talks with Jaishankar, the two foreign ministers discussed the Russia-Ukraine war and its fallout, as well as the state of talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Last week, during his trip to Slovakia, Jaishankar had questioned the US’ decision not to lift sanctions on procuring oil from Iran, which India has stopped buying since May 2019. However, talks are on to resume this trade.
Also Read: Iran expects ‘friend’ India to resume oil purchases soon, says envoy Chegeni
PM Modi meets Iranian FM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Iranian foreign minister later in the evening before the latter emplaned for Mumbai.
“Was happy to receive Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian for a useful discussion on further development of centuries-old civilisational links between India and Iran,” Modi said in a tweet.
Was happy to receive Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian for a useful discussion on further development of Centuries-old civilizational links between India and Iran. Our relations have mutually benefited both the countries and have promoted regional security and prosperity. pic.twitter.com/Ef5Sbtj7Gb
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2022
A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs read,“Welcoming the dignitary, the prime minister warmly recalled the long-standing civilisational and cultural links between India and Iran. The two leaders discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation initiatives. The prime minister stressed that both countries should work to accelerate exchanges in the post-COVID era,”
The statement also said, “The prime minister requested the Iran foreign minister to also transmit his greetings to His Excellency President Ebrahim Raisi, and looked forward to meeting the President of Iran at an early date.”
India was one of the first countries in the world to have a dignitary — Jaishankar — meet Raisi when he was elected president in July 2021.
Amir-Abdollahian will also hold meetings with religious scholars and local officials, as well as businessmen and Iranians living in India, during his visits to Mumbai and Hyderabad before leaving for Tehran Friday.
(Edited by Rohan Manoj)
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