‘We understand, our expectation is more': Iranian diplomat on India's stand
NEW DELHI: Iran expects India to condemn 'aggression by Israel' to uphold the principle of sovereignty of countries and international law and to prevent similar actions in other parts of the world, a senior Iranian diplomat said on Friday. Emergency personnel work at an impact site following Iran's missile strike on Israel, amid the Iran-Israel conflict, in Haifa, Israel, June 20. (REUTERS)
Against the backdrop of reports that the US is making an outreach to Pakistan for support for possible American strikes on Iran, Mohammad Javad Hosseini, deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy, told reporters that Pakistan should stand with Iran in the face of Israel's aggression.
'We believe every country, including India, should condemn this aggression, not because of Iran or because of this conflict, but because it will open the way for other countries who [want] to attack a neighbour on some baseless allegations,' Hosseini said. 'If you don't condemn it, you are giving them an incentive.'
Also Read: Iran eases airspace restrictions for 3 Indian charter flights
India's actions should be in keeping with its role as the voice of the Global South at key forums such as the G20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). 'Our expectation is this voice [will take this issue] not as a matter of bilateral relations with Iran and Israel, but to condemn this aggression, so that international law is respected and everybody knows that if there is any aggression, there will be punishment,' Hosseini said. Iran's deputy chief of mission to India Mohammad Javad Hosseini addresses a press conference, in New Delhi, Friday (PTI)
India has sought to take a balanced position on the Iran-Israel conflict because of its close relations with both countries. The Indian government has urged both sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy and insisted a solution cannot be found on the battlefield. India also disassociated itself from a recent SCO statement that condemned Israel's military strikes on Iran.
Also Read: The prospect of a wider war | HT Editorial
Asked if Iran is disappointed with India's stance, Hosseini replied: 'No, we can say that it is not a matter of disappointment, that we understand. But our expectation is more.'
Hosseini said Iran appreciated India's stance of having good relations with Iran and Israel, especially in the context of the SCO statement. 'We have told them it isn't a matter of the Iran-Israel conflict, it's a matter of aggression against a sovereign country, it's a matter of blatant violation of international law, which should be condemned no matter who prepared this plan,' he said.
He responded to questions about the US seeking Pakistan's support for possible American strikes on Iran, especially after a meeting this week between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, by saying that he hoped Islamabad will stand with Tehran. 'I hope Pakistan won't go for that and will stand with Iran against Israeli aggression,' he said.
'We are in contact with Pakistani officials, they know our stance and they understand us well,' Hosseini said. 'And we hope the decision which is going to be made at the end will be to stand with Iran, to stand with the truth and condemn the aggressors [and] not to give some incentive to the aggressors.'
The US, Hosseini said, is engaged in a 'psychological war' against Iran, which is prepared for all scenarios. 'It is a conflict between Iran and Israel, and it's better for a third party not to enter it. If it enters, it would definitely become more complicated and it will have very bad consequences for that third party,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
34 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Canada, a move away from the Rockies
Recognising a problem is the first step towards a solution. By that metric, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has taken an important step towards repairing a troubled India-Canada relationship. A recent CSIS report acknowledges the existence of Canada-based Khalistani extremists who continue to promote, fund and/or plan acts of violence targeting India. Not only do they mean harm to India, CSIS says these groups also threaten Canadian national security. That is lucid observation. The report's findings dovetail efforts by PM Mark Carney to repair and restore the bilateral relationship left hanging precariously by his predecessor Justin Trudeau. Recognition of continued operations of Canada-based Khalistani extremists is an important departure from the recent past when focus was turned on alleged involvement of Indian officials in the 2023 killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While perceptions of the threat may differ, acknowledgement that it's an issue of concern for both countries will allow addressing it, and avoid the kind of strange food fight that had broken out before. Like any long-standing relationship, especially between two democracies, there have been ups and downs. But, on balance, it has been a good one. The current fractured geopolitical and geo-economic landscape, exacerbated by unpredictability of the Trump regime - his continued suggestion of annexing Canada and newfound friendship with Pakistan and its generals - adds urgency to restoring and augmenting New Delhi-Ottawa ties. Working together and tackling problems with mutual respect, for mutual benefit, should become a SOP, allowing both nations to leverage the past - beyond the too-recent past, that is - and take on multiple challenges.
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Israel-Iran News Live Updates: Iran FM says ready to 'consider' diplomacy 'once the aggression is stopped'
US President Donald Trump claimed that the United States had taken "complete and total control of the skies over Iran." He further warned Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei saying that "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don't want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" The long-simmering tensions between Israel and Iran have exploded into open warfare since Friday, June 13, 2025, marking an unprecedented period of direct military confrontation. Israel initiated a major campaign of fighter jet and drone strikes across Iran, targeting nuclear and military sites, including surface-to-surface missile production facilities, detection radar sites, and surface-to-air missile launchers. Reports indicate strikes on residential areas and fuel depots, with Iran's health ministry reporting at least 224 fatalities and over 1,200 injuries, mostly civilians. Israeli forces have also reportedly killed several top Iranian military commanders and atomic scientists. The IDF claims to have destroyed one-third of Iran's surface-to-surface missile launchers and achieved "full air superiority over Tehran," also striking an Iranian refueling aircraft 2,300 km away. In retaliation, Tehran has launched barrages of missiles and drones, hitting Israeli cities and towns, causing at least 24 deaths and 592 injuries, with a major oil refinery in Haifa among the targets. The IDF confirmed intercepting over 100 Iranian UAVs. The international community, including China, Turkey, and G7 leaders, has urgently called for de-escalation, but both sides remain defiant. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts the offensive aims to thwart "existential" nuclear and missile threats and has not ruled out targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suggesting it would "end the conflict." The UN's IAEA reported physical damage to an above-ground component of Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility but normal external radiation levels, while warning of potential internal contamination. Amidst the crisis, planned nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington were called off.
The Hindu
44 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Lighting the spark in U.K.-India cultural relations
May was a month of magical bonanza for United Kingdom-India relations. The long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement was ratified by both Prime Ministers, and it was another milestone that illuminated a different but equally significant dimension of their partnership: culture. On May 2, U.K. Secretary of State for Culture, Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, and India's Minister for Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, signed the Programme of Cultural Cooperation (POCC). This landmark agreement promises to light up the cultural corridor between the two nations, reaffirming their shared creative spirit. The POCC outlines five programme areas: digital technologies for culture, exhibitions and collections, performances and events, cultural property, and sustainability. These themes directly support the creative economy, a core sector driving the U.K. government's industrial strategy. This agreement signals a shared commitment to cross-cultural collaboration and economic growth. Before arriving in Delhi to sign the POCC, Ms. Nandy, the first Labour Cabinet Minister of Indian heritage, was the highest-ranking international delegate at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) Summit, held in Mumbai. In her keynote, she powerfully highlighted the collaborative potential of the India-U.K. cultural and creative industries, sustainable by nature and an employment multiplier. The growth of the creative arts sector Globally, the creative arts sector is rapidly growing, projected to reach 10% of global GDP by 2030. At the G-20 New Delhi Leaders' Summit in 2023, global leaders unanimously called for greater investment in the sector. India hosting WAVES for the first time underscored its commitment, resulting in significant business deals and international agreements. The POCC between India and the U.K. builds on this momentum. It brings together the Indian Ministry of Culture, the U.K. government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and the British Council in India, alongside major U.K. cultural institutions — including Arts Council England, the British Library, the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum Group. With over 1,700 accredited museums in the U.K., the scope for partnerships with their Indian counterparts is tremendous, especially around leveraging digital technology for sharing cultural experiences and heritage. At its core, the POCC signals hope: the creative economy can foster a more inclusive future, encompassing tech-driven sectors such as gaming, digital content, film, OTT, television and more — creating opportunities for skilled workers and innovators. That is great news for India. With its deep cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology, skilled artisan base, and the world's largest youth population, India is uniquely positioned to lead. India's creative economy, valued at $35 billion, employs nearly 8% of its workforce, second only to agriculture. According to the Asian Development Bank's report (2022), 'Creative India: Tapping the Full Potential', six of India's top 10 creative hubs — from Badgam in Jammu and Kashmir to Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu — are in non-metro regions. This shows India's diverse cultural heritage. India, with over 300 universities and 3,000 colleges offering courses in design, arts, and architecture, is nurturing a global creative workforce. A role for the U.K. In 2023, during India's G-20 presidency, the U.K. played a pivotal role in supporting the cultural agenda. Artistic partnerships, creative project grants, and year-long cultural exchanges, such as Wales in India, which culminated at the 2024 Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, furthered that agenda bilaterally, redefining India-U.K. cultural ties and building lasting bonds. Why do these global partnerships matter so much? First, the creative economy is evolving rapidly. It faces challenges including skilled labour shortage. To meet this, we need sustained investment in education, vocational training and apprenticeships. International collaborations can help empower creative professionals with global competencies and best practices. Second, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) are transforming the sector. As the British Council's recent report, Arts and Technologies in India: Reimagining the Future argues, it is time to integrate it into India's creative education framework. Cultural exchange and cross-border partnerships can support professionals in navigating this digital shift. India's creative canvas is expanding, driven by cultural wealth, youth potential, and a bold vision. Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions India as a global creative hub — and with a three-pronged approach focused on education, skills, and international collaboration, we are well on our way. But it will require sustained cooperation between government, industry and academia to make that vision a reality. Businesses and projects Indian companies, too, are doing their bit. Take Royal Enfield, the iconic U.K.-India motorcycle brand, which is working in the Himalayas through its Social Mission. In partnership with UNESCO, it is helping to safeguard intangible cultural heritage and working with over 580 artisans through its textile conservation project, The Himalayan Knot. This initiative not only preserves sustainable textile traditions but also creates new market linkages for craft communities. Ms. Nandy heard this story first hand at the reception hosted in her honour by British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron and this writer in Delhi, where the Serendipity Arts Festival's Birmingham chapter was also launched — a moving reminder of how businesses can be storytellers too. What truly binds the U.K. and India together are their people and their stories. In a world grappling with conflict and uncertainty, culture and creativity remain among the most time-tested healers of relations between people and nations. And in that, we have every reason to celebrate — and invest in — the creative spark that unites us. Alison Barrett, MBE, is the Country Director India at the British Council
