New Delhi: Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s supreme leader in India, affirmed his country’s commitment to help its “brothers and sisters in India” address shortages of oil and gas.
Ilahi highlighted the deep solidarity between the two nations in an exclusive interview with ANI.
“I can say that for the majority of Indians, their hearts are with Iran… I can even say they are against the war,” he stated.
“We informed our people in Iran about the solidarity of our brothers and sisters in India. We also told them that now they are suffering from a shortage of gas and petrol, and help and support them,” he added.
Talking of practical steps already underway, Ilahi revealed efforts by the Iranian embassy: “Our embassy also tried several times to help with this issue and to solve the problem for our dear brothers and sisters in India.”
He also mentioned hearing about initiatives to facilitate passage for Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, responding affirmatively to questions about free passage: “Yes. I heard that our embassy tried to provide an opportunity for some Indian ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz.”
Ilahi’s comments come against the backdrop of the ongoing crisis in West Asia that has impacted global energy flows. The Strait of Hormuz has not been formally closed, with some ships still able to navigate despite challenges, he said.
Two Indian LPG tankers have already traversed the Strait over the last two days and are being escorted to India by the Navy.
The Iranian representative also underscored the longstanding goodwill from Iran’s leadership toward India.
“Ayatollah Ali Khamenei loved India. He insisted several times on good collaboration and cooperation between Iran and India,” he said, noting similar sentiments from the Supreme Leader’s son during meetings.
These ties will help India tide over the present crisis and maintain sufficient reserves of oil and gas.
