BJP expresses outrage at Iran’s supreme leader’s remarks over plight of Indian Muslims

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has expressed outrage over Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's concerns about the Muslims experiencing violence and discrimination in India.

Ayatollah Khamenei on Monday released a statement on the microblogging site X, urging Muslims to raise their voices about the plight of their fellow believers.

Khamenei said, "The enemies of Islam have always tried to weaken the unique identity called the Islamic Ummah; one cannot claim to be a Muslim while ignoring the suffering of Muslims in Myanmar, Gaza, India or elsewhere," he added.

Khamenei emphasised the importance of unity among Muslims worldwide and warned against the tactics of enemies seeking to divide the Ummah by sowing discord and spreading propaganda.

In response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned Khamenei’s remarks about the conditions of Muslims in India, calling them "unacceptable."

“We strongly deplore the comments made regarding minorities in India by the Supreme Leader of Iran. These are misinformed and unacceptable,” said a spokesperson for India’s foreign ministry.

“Countries commenting on minorities are advised to look at their own record before making any observations about others.” the statement added.

This is not the first time the Iranian Supreme Leader has spoken out about the challenges faced by Indian Muslims. In March 2020, he criticised the anti-Muslim riots in Delhi and termed them a "massacre."

He also urged the Indian government to adopt a just policy toward Jammu and Kashmir after the Narendra Modi-led government revoked the region's special status in 2019.

Violence against Muslims has increased in India, with incidents of mob lynchings and harassment continuing to surface on a daily basis.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who assumed office for a third term, made inflammatory speeches against Muslims during his election campaign. 

During his campaign, Modi referred to Muslims as "infiltrators" and "those who have many children." In one speech, he framed the election as a choice between "Ram Rajya" (the rule of the Hindu god Ram) and "Vote Jihad."