NEW DELHI: India Wednesday expressed regret over the statements from Iran on the Kashmir situation and said that they constituted interference in its internal affairs.
A spokesman of the foreign ministry told reporters that without exception these statements which were based on incorrect appreciation of developments in Kashmir were indicative of a bias.
“As such these affect the growth of mutual trust and understanding between our two countries,’”’ the spokesman said.
The spokesman said in reply to a query that in recent weeks several statements had emanated from Teheran about Jammu and Kashmir by public figures and some Iranian govetment leaders.
As a multi ethnic and multi lingual and staunchly secular society in which different linguistic and religious groups have lived happily and untidily, India has enjoyed respect and understanding from diverse sources, he said.
“We have shown every respect for the concerns and sensitivities of Iran and indeed of other countries.
The spokesman said that New Delhi was therefore surprised at the Iranian statements and the attitudes reflected in them.
“We have in recent months had occasion to advice Iranian friends not to take sides and reflect a biased attitude,” the spokesman said.
Iran had recently said that it would back Pakistan to the hilt and in case of a war ensures Pakistan won.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 13, 1990
