India on Thursday said it is closely monitoring the situation in Iran amid reports of protests, even as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) underlined that there is no immediate cause for concern regarding the safety of Indian nationals.
Making this clear, the Consulate General of Iran in Hyderabad stated that the situation in Iran remains stable and fully under control, asserting that there is no threat to Indian citizens residing in or travelling to the country.
In an official release, the Consulate said all necessary measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of foreign nationals, including Indians. Referring to Article 27 of the Iranian Constitution, it said citizens have the right to assemble and protest peacefully, and that
the ongoing protests, largely driven by economic concerns, are a legitimate expression of public opinion.
The statement added that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other state officials have acknowledged the right to peaceful protest. However, it alleged that certain foreign parties were attempting to politicise the protests and incite violence while making “purported expressions of sympathy” for the Iranian people.
The Consulate further accused affiliated foreign media outlets of running a propaganda campaign by spreading false information, including claims that Iran’s Supreme Leader was preparing to leave the country. It said similar “baseless reports” had circulated during the recent 12-day protests and categorically rejected such claims as false, fabricated and without any basis in reality.
MEA Welcomes Gaza Peace Plan, Reiterates India’s Stand
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said India welcomes the Gaza peace plan and reiterated that New Delhi’s position on the conflict remains clear and consistent. The peace plan, backed by international stakeholders, seeks an immediate and sustained ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages and detainees, and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians facing severe shortages of food, medicine and essential supplies due to prolonged fighting.
The Ministry further underlined that the plan also lays emphasis on long-term stability through Gaza’s reconstruction, restoration of governance and security mechanisms, and renewed diplomatic efforts towards a political resolution addressing the root causes of the conflict. India, it said, continues to support dialogue and diplomacy, including efforts aimed at a two-state solution that ensures lasting peace, stability and security for all parties in the region.
MEA On Somaliland
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), for the first time, addressed the issue of recognition of Somaliland, reiterating that India’s position remains unchanged. New Delhi underlined its longstanding ties with Somalia and stressed the importance of respecting the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. The MEA said India continues to engage with Somalia as a single, unified state and supports peace, stability and development in the Horn of Africa through established international norms.
Somaliland has returned to the spotlight after Israel became the first country to recognise it.
Israel’s outreach is being viewed in the context of Red Sea security, regional geopolitics and countering hostile influences in the region. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has its own government and security apparatus but remains unrecognised internationally.
MEA in Touch With Indian Crew Members Captured by US in Venezuela
MEA said India is “ascertaining details” about the status of Indians reportedly on board an oil tanker that the United States Coast Guard seized in an operation linked to US sanctions enforcement off the coast of Venezuela. According to media reports, three Indian nationals are among the crew of the MV Marinera, which is a Russian-linked vessel that US forces intercepted in the North Atlantic after tracking it from Caribbean waters as part of a crackdown on so-called shadow fleet tankers used to ferry sanctioned oil.
The MEA said its embassy in Caracas is in contact with the Indian community and is closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian crew members. It added that assistance will be provided through appropriate channels once information is confirmed, as New Delhi continues to engage with relevant authorities on the matter. This comes against the backdrop of heightened maritime tensions over US efforts to enforce sanctions on vessels tied to Venezuela and other sanctioned oil producers.
