Iran FM Praises India For Respecting All Faiths, Commits To Taking Relations To New Heights

Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Hossein Amir Abdollahian is on an official visit to India. His visit came just after the controversy, related to allegedly 'insulting' remarks on Prophet Mohammad by now suspended National Spokesperson of BJP Nupur Sharma, erupted.

In his meeting with National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, Abdollahian raised the issue of controversial remarks made by members of the ruling party. In a statement, he expressed his satisfaction with the response he received.

In a tweet, the visiting dignitary stated that Tehran and New Delhi agree on the need to respect divine religions and Islamic sanctities and to avoid divisive statements. He added that India and Iran are determined to “bring relations to new heights.”

As per a statement read out by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, “National Security Advisor of India, Ajit Doval, reaffirmed the Indian government and officials’ respect for the Prophet Muhammad, saying offenders will be dealt with, at the government and related levels, in such a way that others will learn a lesson.” The statement added that Amir Abdollahian said Muslims are satisfied with the stance of Indian officials in dealing with the culprits.

Abdollahian praised 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 FM called on PM Narendra Modi. In a tweet, PM Modi highlighted that India-Iran relations have mutually benefited both the countries and have promoted regional security and prosperity.

Dr Abdollahian met with his Indian counterpart, Dr S Jaishankar and reviewed the progress made at the Shahid Beheshti terminal, Chabahar port. As per a statement issued by MEA, both the sides agreed that the 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.

“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”, the MEA statement read.

Disclaimer: MEA informed that Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has withdrawn the statement that said Iran FM Abdollahian had raised Prophet controversy in a meeting with NSA Ajit Doval.

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