Bengaluru: In a move that sends strong signals to Iran, India today summoned its envoy and said in no uncertain terms that his country is needlessly poking its nose in India’s internal affairs. 

It might be recalled that Iran’s foreign minister Javad Zarif had tweeted thus: "Iran condemns the wave of organised violence against Indian Muslims. For centuries, Iran has been a friend of India. We urge Indian authorities to ensure the wellbeing of all Indians and not let senseless thuggery prevail. Path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law."

Well, the riots in Delhi last week are no doubt, reprehensible. They should not have taken place, especially at a time when the US President was in India on a 2-day trip. 

The riots saw the deaths of more than forty people, from both the communities of Hindus and Muslims. 

India has seen a renewed and robust foreign policy under Modi’s regime. When Malaysia’s former PM Mahathir Mohamad spoke ill of abrogation of articles 370 and 35A or the enactment of CAA, India did not take it lying down. 

As a punitive measure, India levelled a lot of sanctions against the import of palm oil, thereby hitting Malaysia’s economy hardest. 

The former PM was brought to his knees and he even made a mea culpa saying a small nation like Malaysia could not do anything to India. 

Even when Turkey President Erdogan made needless remarks against India in relation to the Kashmir issue, India issued a strongly worded letter, expressing its displeasure. 

That’s not all! When British MP Debbie Abrahams was deported as she resorted to anti-India activities, India showed its gigantic will not to kowtow to external interference in India’s internal affairs. 

Most laughably, Iran, which tries to take a moral high ground by pointing its fingers at India for the CAA riots, it is to be noted that Iran itself is facing a lot of protests against rise in fuel prices. As noted by a popular website, there has been a massive protest against the Islamic regime led by the supreme religious leader Ali Khamenei, erupted in Iran last year. Around 2,000 protestors have been killed and over 7,000 arrested by the government in Iran so far.

So Iran would do well to keep its concerns to itself and take care of its citizens better, than to lecture India.