Security of Indian citizens working in West Asia is highly important to us: Iranian envoy Mohammad Fathali
New Delhi, May 29
Amid escalating maritime and geopolitical friction across the Gulf, the Ambassador of Iran to India, Mohammad Fathali, has assured New Delhi that the safety and security of all Indian expatriates living and working in West Asia remains a paramount priority for Tehran.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Ambassador Fathali addressed growing domestic anxieties regarding the safety of hundreds of thousands of Indian citizens stationed throughout the volatile West Asian theatre.
"The security and peace of all nations in the region, including Indian citizens working and living in West Asia, are highly important to us," the Envoy promised.
He underscored that maintaining the free flow of commerce through the Persian Gulf is an absolute necessity for international trade, adding, "Stability and security in the Persian Gulf will benefit all countries in the region and their economic partners, including India."
Fathali noted that both ancient trading partners possess unique, market-complementing advantages across energy, multi-modal transportation corridors, and maritime trade that must be aggressively co-developed.
Ambassador Fathali highly praised India's positioning as a balanced global stabiliser and key driver of multipolar diplomacy, emphasising that a peaceful Persian Gulf directly shields the massive economic stakes of both nations.
Ambassador Fathali highlighted the deep strategic and institutional alignments between New Delhi and Tehran, pointing to the expanding footprint of the BRICS alliance as a primary vehicle for regional mediation.
"As a major global power and an influential member of the BRICS group, India plays an important role in strengthening multilateralism, supporting dialogue, and helping to reduce international tensions," Fathali stated.
"The recent visit of the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran to India to participate in the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting was very positive and constructive, demonstrating that both countries have a serious will to continue close consultations and cooperation."
The Ambassador's diplomatic outreach to India stands in stark contrast to Tehran's deepening mistrust of ongoing backchannel negotiations with Washington over regional settlement terms.
Fathali's comments directly mirror a hardline stance broadcast by Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Speaking to Al Jazeera as peace talks drag on, Ghalibaf sent a stern reminder to Western negotiators that Iran is finished relying on diplomatic paperwork:
"In negotiations with the US, we have no trust in guarantees or words; only actions are the measure."
While Tehran continues to hold a rigid line against Western pressure, Ambassador Fathali reiterated that Iran intends to keep its historic, civilizational diplomatic channels with New Delhi fully open, welcoming India's stabilising voice on the world stage.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Iran has always been a reliable partner for India - from Chabahar port to energy supplies. This statement shows they value the relationship. But let's be practical: India must balance ties with Iran, Israel, GCC countries, and the US simultaneously. That's the reality of our foreign policy.
I have relatives working in Dubai and Doha. Every news about Gulf tensions makes me nervous. The ambassador's words are comforting but actions matter more. India needs to negotiate proper security protocols for our diaspora. We're talking about millions of Indian families depending on remittances from West Asia.
Interesting diplomatic dance. Iran wants India as a counterweight to Western pressure, while India needs Iranian cooperation for connectivity to Central Asia via Chabahar. Realpolitik at its finest. But ordinary Indian workers shouldn't become pawns in geopolitical games.
Respectfully, Iran's track record on regional stability is mixed. Their involvement in Yemen, Syria, and proxy networks raises legitimate questions. India should welcome this outreach but also maintain strong ties with Israel and Saudi Arabia. Diversification is key.
The BRICS angle is smart diplomacy by Iran. But let's not forget that 2019 drone attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities came from Iranian-backed forces, disrupting global oil supply. Words about "stability" need to be backed by concrete actions. For now, I hope our embassy in Tehran has a robust evacuation plan.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.