Hours after Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, remarked that true Muslims cannot ignore the "suffering" of Muslims in Myanmar, Gaza, and India, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a strong condemnation. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal labeled Khamenei's comments as "misinformed and unacceptable," advising that countries should review their own records on minority rights before commenting on others.

"We strongly deplore the comments made regarding minorities in India by the supreme leader of Iran," Jaiswal stated. He added, "Countries commenting on minorities in India should first examine their own records before making observations about others."

The tension arises amidst traditionally strong ties between India and Iran. In May, both nations signed a 10-year agreement to develop and operate the Iranian port of Chabahar. India has been developing this strategic port on Iran's southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman to facilitate the transport of goods to Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, circumventing Pakistani ports.

Khamenei's remarks also drew criticism from Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar. In a pointed response, Azar accused Khamenei of oppressing his own people while denying Muslims in Iran the freedoms enjoyed in democracies like India and Israel. "You are a killer and oppressor of your own people. Muslims in Israel, India, and all democracies enjoy freedom, which is denied in Iran. I wish the people of Iran will be free soon," Azar wrote on social media platform X.

Ayatollah Khamenei, addressing a gathering of clerics in Tehran, expressed concern over what he perceives as the global suffering of Muslims, emphasizing the Islamic Ummah's shared identity. "We cannot consider ourselves to be Muslims if we are oblivious to the suffering that a Muslim is enduring in Myanmar, Gaza, India, or any other place," he posted on X.

The remarks have added to the diplomatic complexities faced by New Delhi. India maintains close relations with both Iran and Israel, balancing its strategic partnerships. With Israel, India shares strong defense and security ties, while its reliance on West Asia for 80% of its oil supply underscores the significance of its relationship with Iran.

The incident comes amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, placing India in a delicate diplomatic position.