Iranian envoy summoned over Tehran's comments on recent Delhi violence

NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday summoned Iran's Ambassador Ali Chegeni and lodged a strong protest over the "unwarranted" comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif over communal violence in the national capital.

The Iranian envoy was conveyed that Zarif's "selective and tendentious" characterisation of incidents in Delhi are not acceptable, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

In a tweet on Monday, Zarif said Iran condemned the "wave of organised violence against Indian Muslims" and urged Indian authorities to "not let senseless thuggery" prevail.

In response to a media query, Kumar said India does not expect such comments from a country like Iran.

"The Iranian Ambassador to India Mr Ali Chegeni was summoned and a strong protest was lodged against the unwarranted remarks made by the Iranian foreign minister," he said.

"It was conveyed that his selective and tendentious characterisation of recent events in Delhi are not acceptable. We do not expect such comments from a country like Iran," he added.

The ties between India and Iran have been on an upswing over the last few years.

Notwithstanding US sanctions against Iran, India has been maintaining cordial relationship with Tehran and have been actively involved in development of the strategically

located Chabahar port in the Gulf nation.

Zarif had visited India in January in the midst of Tehran's escalating tension with the Trump administration over killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Sulemani in a US military strike.

"Iran condemns the wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims. For centuries, Iran has been a friend of India. We urge Indian authorities to ensure the wellbeing of ALL Indians & not let sense

less thuggery prevail," Zarif tweeted.

"Path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law," he added.