Iran, India foreign ministers discuss genocide in Gaza
NEW DELHI: The genocide Israel is committing in Gaza figured prominently during the talks between the foreign ministers of Iran and India in Tehran on Monday.
“We held talks over the latest regional and international developments, especially the Zionist regime’s genocide crimes against Palestinians,” Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said in a statement.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar described the situation in Gaza as ‘deeply concerning’ and highlighted the loss of civilian lives.
Their discussions also covered bilateral relations, cooperation within the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation groups and India’s involvement in the expansion of Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) plan.
“I reiterated India’s interest in benefiting from Iran’s unique geographical position to access markets in Central Asia, Afghanistan and Eurasia. We discussed the prospects of energising the International North-South Transport Corridor,” Jaishankar said.
The Indian minister raised the issue of maritime attacks in the Red Sea region amid the blockade against Israel-linked ships being enforced by Yemen’s Houthi-led armed group.
“This is a matter of great concern to the international community. Obviously, it also has a direct bearing on India’s energy and economic interests. This fraught situation is not to the benefit of any party and this must be clearly recognised,” Jaishankar said.
Tensions in the Red Sea region have grown in recent days since the United States and Britain launched military attacks inside Yemen to deter the Houthis from continuing the anti-Israel blockade.
The Yemeni forces have vowed to retaliate against the USBritish attacks.
Iran, which supports the Houthi forces, raised concern about the Gaza genocide creating a regional conflict.