By A Staff Reporter
Iranian Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, emphasized India's potential role in the Middle East peace process during a recent discussion. Citing India's global standing and its leadership in initiatives like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Voice of the Global South, Elahi remarked, "India is an emerging power. India is the founder of NAM...Recently India raised the flag of the voice of the South. So this puts some responsibility on the shoulders of India."
Elahi suggested that India's close relationship with Israel could allow it to act as a mediator and urged India to encourage Israel to halt the ongoing violence in Gaza. "We believe India can play a constructive role. India has good relations with Israel so it can convince them to stop genocide in Gaza," he said.
Touching upon the broader conflict, Elahi stressed that lasting peace in the region can only be achieved by addressing the rights of Palestinians. "The only solution is that the rights of Palestinians as a deprived and oppressed nation should be given to them... When some parts try to ignore it, as long as they deny it, the tension will continue," he added.
The ambassador's remarks reflect Iran's call for greater international involvement in resolving the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with India potentially playing a key role in fostering peace.