Facing widespread anger in the Arab countries over the comments on prophet Mohammad, India said the issue was not raised during the meeting of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said Iran had pulled down a readout that said Abdollahian raised the issue of remarks on prophet Mohammad with NSA Ajit Doval on Wednesday.
The readout had said Doval had assured that the offenders will be dealt with in such a way that others will learn a lesson. "My understanding is that what you are referring to in a readout has been pulled down," Bagchi said when asked about the statement from Iran.
Bagchi reiterated that India made it pretty clear that tweets and comments on the prophet do not reflect views of government. "This issue was not raised during discussions with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. We have made it pretty clear the tweets and comments do not convey the views of the government. This has been conveyed to the nations as also the fact that action has been taken."
A tweet from Abdollahian earlier in the day had said, "Pleased to meet PM Modi, FM Jaishankar & other Indian officials to advance our bilateral strategic dialogue. Tehran & New Delhi agree on the need to respect divine religions & Islamic sanctities & to avoid divisive statements. determined to bring relations to new heights."
