Iranian Embassy objects to Gaurav Arya's remarks against foreign minister Abbas Araghchi; India responds

The Indian Embassy in Iran clarified that Gaurav Arya's statement has no connection with India's official position.

Updated on: May 11, 2025, 10:25:48 IST

By HT News Desk

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Iran on Saturday raised objections over comments made by former army officer and television personality Gaurav Arya against Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi.

Former army officer and television personality Gaurav Arya. (X/majorgauravarya)

Gaurav Arya made the comments while criticising Araghchi for visiting Pakistan before coming to India amid tensions between the two neighbours in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people died.

“Respect for guests has a long-standing tradition in Iranian culture,” Iran's Embassy in New Delhi wrote on X while sharing Arya's video. "We Iranians consider our guests to be "beloved by God. How about you?"

After the embassy's objection, the Indian Embassy in Iran clarified that Gaurav Arya is a private citizen and that his statement has no connection with India's official position.

The Indian Embassy in Iran also condemned Arya's remarks against the Iranian foreign minister, saying that it considers the “disrespectful tone” used in the video to be “inappropriate”.

Also Read | Iran offers to mediate in India-Pakistan relations

“The Embassy of India in Iran would like to clarify that the individual in this video is a private Indian citizen,” the Embassy of India in Iran wrote on X.

“His statements have no connection with the official position of India, and the Government of India considers the disrespectful tone used in the video to be inappropriate.”

Also Read | In 4 days, India's ‘Operation Sindoor’ caused massive damage in Pakistan

Last week, Araghchi made an unscheduled visit to Pakistan on May 5 for meetings with the country’s top leadership as tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi escalated over the Pahalgam terror attack.

He then returned to Tehran before travelling to India to co-chair a meeting of the bilateral Joint Commission. It was Araghchi’s first visit to India since assuming office as the minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran in August 2024.

Last month, Araghchi had also offered to “forge greater understanding” between New Delhi and Islamabad.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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