Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, has publicly appreciated New Delhi’s position at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), where India voted against a resolution aimed at increasing international scrutiny of Iran.
Calling the move “principled and firm,” the ambassador said India’s vote reflected its commitment to justice, multilateralism, and respect for national sovereignty.
Iran Welcomes India’s Stand at UNHRC
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of India for its principled and firm support of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the UNHRC, including opposing an unjust and politically motivated resolution,” Ambassador Fathali said.
The statement came after India opposed the motion during the UNHRC’s 39th special session, which focused on the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran amid widespread protests.
India Joins Minority in Opposing Measure
According to news agency ANI, India aligned with a group of countries that rejected what they described as a selective and targeted initiative.
The resolution sought to increase monitoring of Iran’s human rights situation following months of unrest. The resolution was eventually adopted with 25 votes in favour, seven against, and 14 abstentions. India was among the minority that voted against the measure, while several nations chose not to take a definitive position.
Iran Highlights Civilisational Ties With India
Separately, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, Representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader, underlined the deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries. He said Iran’s relationship with India dates back over 3,000 years, even before the emergence of Islam, noting that Indian philosophical texts were studied extensively in Iran over centuries.
“Even at the university level, we studied philosophical books of India. In mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, we used your civilisation and knowledge,” he said.
Chabahar Port Cooperation Reiterated
Ilahi also expressed hope that India and Iran would continue close collaboration at the Chabahar port, a strategically significant project that has faced US sanctions. He reiterated that Iran’s Supreme Leader consistently emphasises strong bilateral ties with India.
Conflicting Death Toll Figures From Protests
Meanwhile, Iranian state television released the first official death toll from recent anti-government protests, reporting that 3,117 people were killed during the crackdown. However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has put the figure significantly higher, claiming 4,519 deaths. According to HRANA, those killed include protesters, security personnel, minors, and bystanders, with thousands more deaths still under review.
India Walks Diplomatic Tightrope
India’s UNHRC vote underscores its careful diplomatic balancing act, maintaining strategic ties with Iran while navigating global pressure on human rights issues. The decision has drawn praise from Tehran, even as international scrutiny over Iran’s internal situation continues to intensify.