Tehran/Mumbai: India seems to have got inadvertently drawn into the nearly month-long West Asia crisis after Iran scribbled messages thanking the “people of India” on missiles launched towards Israel and US military assets in the region.
The visuals were shared online by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai and Iranian state media, show personnel from Iran’s Aerospace Force inscribing notes such as “Thank you to people of India” on missiles using blue markers before launch, as reported by India Today.
There were similar messages addressed to people in Spain, Pakistan and Germany. This signals a broader outreach to nations perceived as sympathetic to Tehran.
According to Iranian network Press TV, these messages were seen during the 83rd wave of Iran’s military campaign, part of Operation True Promise 4, carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC, in an official statement, said the latest wave targeted key American and Israeli military assets across the region. These included infrastructure such as oil storage facilities in Ashdod, military sites near Modi’in, and a US military information exchange centre, Press TV report mentioned.
Strikes on American bases at Al-Dhafra and Al-Udeiri, as well as facilities at Ali Al-Salem Air Base and Sheikh Isa Base were also listed in the statement. It deployed a mix of long- and medium-range missiles, precision-strike systems, and drones, Iran said, claiming the operation was carried out successfully.
Officials said the reference to India comes against the backdrop of recent developments that have highlighted relatively warm ties between the two countries during the conflict.
Tehran recently confirmed that it is allowing safe passage to Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz, while restrictions remain in place for ships linked to the United States and its allies. India was among a handful of countries considered “friendly”, whose ships would not be blocked despite the war-like situation in the region, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi had said.
The humanitarian support extended by Indians, particularly from Kashmir, could be another factor behind the messaging.
Civilians in parts of Jammu and Kashmir have organised donation drives to aid people affected by the conflict in Iran in recent weeks. Contributions have ranged from cash and jewellery to household items, with many stories of personal sacrifice emerging.
The Iranian Embassy in India publicly acknowledged such gestures, expressing deep gratitude and saying the support would “never be forgotten”.
India has condemned the crisis in the Middle East, repeatedly seeking dialogue and diplomacy to bring resolution to the war that began after the US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28.
