New Delhi: India and Iran discussed ways to improve cooperation in connectivity, commerce, and counter-terrorism on Wednesday, as visiting Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian brought up two former BJP spokespersons' controversial statements about Prophet Mohammed.
Hossein Amir Abdollahian, the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister, expressed satisfaction with the Indian government's efforts in dealing with individuals guilty for insults against Prophet Muhammed, news agency ANI reported.
“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," reads the statement issued by the Iranian foreign ministry.
In the backdrop of considerable indignation in West Asian countries over the incident, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Amir-Abdollahian discussed bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas.
Abdollahian praised the Indian people and administration for their reverence for heavenly faiths, particularly the Prophet Muhammad, as well as religious tolerance, historical cohabitation, and camaraderie among people of different faiths in the country.
Jaishankar tweeted that he and his Iranian counterpart had discussed and reviewed bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas, including commerce, connectivity, health, and people-to-people connections.
According to a statement from the foreign affairs ministry, Amir-Abdollahian also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who "warmly remembered the long-standing civilisational and cultural relations between India and Iran."
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, “Was happy to receive Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian for a useful discussion on further development of centuries-old civilizational links between India and Iran. Our relations have mutually benefited both the countries and have promoted regional security and prosperity."
Amir-Abdollahian spoke to the "bad climate generated by some people" by denigrating Prophet Mohammed during his meeting with Doval, according to an Iranian foreign ministry statement written in Persian, as per the media reports. Doval was reported in the statement as saying that the Indian government and authorities revere the Prophet.
Nupur Sharma, a BJP spokesperson, was suspended from her post, while her colleague, Naveen Jindal, was removed from the party, amid growing outrage in West Asian countries over their comments.