 "Iran writes ‘thank you people of India’ on missiles fired at Israel")
In a symbolic move amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, Iran has inscribed messages thanking the “people of India” on missiles launched towards Israel, in what appears to be a mix of signalling and outreach.
Visuals shared by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai and Iranian state media show personnel from Iran’s Aerospace Force writing notes such as “Thank you to people of India” on missiles before launch. Similar messages were reportedly directed at people in Spain, Pakistan and Germany, suggesting a broader attempt to acknowledge countries perceived as sympathetic to Tehran.
The messages were seen during what Iran described as the 83rd wave of its military campaign under Operation True Promise 4, carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to Iranian broadcaster Press TV. In a statement, the IRGC said the latest strikes targeted key American and Israeli military-linked infrastructure across the region, including oil facilities, military sites and US bases.
Why India is being mentioned
The reference to India comes against the backdrop of relatively warm ties between the two countries during the conflict.
Iran has recently allowed safe passage for Indian vessels through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, even as restrictions remain for ships linked to the US and its allies. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described India as among a group of “friendly” countries whose ships would not be blocked despite heightened tensions.
Humanitarian support from India has also played a role in shaping the messaging. In recent weeks, civilians in parts of Jammu and Kashmir have organised donation drives for people affected by the conflict in Iran, with contributions ranging from cash and jewellery to essential items.
Quick Reads
View AllOne widely shared instance involved a Kashmiri woman donating gold preserved for decades in memory of her late husband. The Iranian Embassy in India acknowledged such gestures, expressing deep gratitude and saying the support would “never be forgotten”.
Children’s gesture draws attention
In a separate post, the Iranian Embassy highlighted a gesture by Indian children who donated their piggy banks to support students of Minab School in Iran, calling it an act driven by “small yet love-filled hearts”.
India calls for diplomacy
India has condemned the crisis in West Asia and has consistently called for restraint, emphasising dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward since the conflict escalated following US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28.
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