India summons Iran envoy to protest Delhi riots tweet

India on Tuesday summoned the Iranian envoy, Ambassador Ali Chegeni, to protest the Iranian foreign minister's description of the communal violence in Delhi as "senseless thuggery" and "organised violence against Indian Muslims".

A "strong protest" was lodged over comments made by Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on matters internal to India, Indian media reported.

Javad Zarif made the remarks in a tweet he posted late on Monday night. He urged New Delhi to "ensure the well-being of all Indians" and said the path forward lay "in peaceful dialogue and the rule of law".

Media reports suggested that India lodged “a strong protest over the comments made by Javad Zarif on a matter internal to India.”

The Indian Foreign Ministry issued a démarche to the Iranian ambassador, claiming that the remarks by Zarif were “totally uncalled for and unacceptable”.

In his tweet late on Monday, Zarif urged “Indian authorities to ensure the well-being of ALL Indians & not let senseless thuggery prevail,” adding that the “path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law.”