Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Hossein Amir Abdollahian has raised concerns about the recent controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.
According to a statement issued by the Iranian foreign ministry, “National Security Advisor of India, Ajit Doval, reaffirmed the Indian government and officials’ respect for the Prophet Muhammadsaying offenders will be dealt with, at the government and related levels, in such a way that others will learn a lesson.”
Abdollahian is on an official visit to India from June 8. It is his first India visit since assuming office in August 2021. He held bilateral talks with his counterpart, Dr Jaishankar. He also met NSA Doval and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Abdollahian hailed the Indian people and government for their respect for the divine faiths, especially the Prophet Muhammad, and also for the religious tolerance, historical coexistence, and friendship among followers of various religions in the country.
“The Iranian foreign minister then called for serious attention to the sensitivities of Muslims regarding their religious sanctity. Amirabdollahian said Muslims are satisfied with the stance of Indian officials in dealing with the culprits,” the Iranian foreign ministry statement said.
The sides also discussed various proposals to enhance India-Iran ties, including in the field of transportation via the south-north corridor and particularly through using Chabahar Port, investment, trade, and education as well as research and development.
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“Both sides acknowledged the significance of bilateral cooperation in the field of regional connectivity and reviewed the progress made at the Shahid Beheshti terminal, Chabahar port. The sides agreed that the Chabahar Port has provided much-needed sea access to landlocked Afghanistan and has also emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region, including for Central Asia. They reaffirmed their commitment to continue to cooperate on the development of Chabahar Port. Teams from both countries will be meeting soon to address operational aspects,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in its statement.
The two sides also discussed security and military ties and possibilities to fight terrorism at the bilateral and regional levels and also to help the people of Afghanistan.
“The Ministers also discussed international and regional issues, including Afghanistan, and the sides reaffirmed the importance of providing immediate humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and reiterated the need for a representative and inclusive political system in support of a peaceful, secure, and stable Afghanistan,” said MEA.
Iran and India also signed a judicial assistance deal regarding civil and trade affairs in the presence of the foreign ministers of the two countries in New Delhi.
The Iranian foreign minister briefed Jaishankar on the current situation pertaining to the JCPOA. The two Ministers also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and its repercussions.