India summons Iranian ambassador after criticism over Delhi riots

India on Tuesday summoned Iranian Ambassador to India, Ali Chegeni, after Foreign Minister Javad Zarfi’s comments condemning the violence against Muslims in New Delhi which had claimed 50 lives and injured hundreds.

In a statement on Monday, the Iranian foreign minister had slammed New Delhi, saying that as a friend it was calling on India to stop the violence in the country against Muslims.

“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 well-being of ALL Indians & not let senseless thuggery prevail. Path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law,” he tweeted.

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 senseless thuggery prevail.

Path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law.

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) March 2, 2020

According to The Hindustan Times, India on Tuesday summoned Chegeni to protest over Zarif’s comments, describing them as “unacceptable and uncalled for”, urging Iran to stay clear of matters that were India’s internal concerns.

The publication claimed that the Indian foreign ministry issued a demarche to Iranian ambassador Ali Chegeni, expressing dismay and disappointment at the foreign minister’s comments.

World leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, United Kingdom politician Jeremy Corbyn, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, had condemned the violence in Delhi and urged India to restore peace and calm in the capital.

Indonesia and Pakistan had also spoken out against the wave of organized anti-Muslim riots in Delhi that have been compared to the Nazi pogrom of Jews in the 1930s, and the deadly genocide against the Muslims of Gujarat in 2002 under Modi’s reign as chief minister.