In a striking symbolic gesture during the ongoing Middle East conflict, Iran has inscribed messages thanking the “people of India” on missiles launched toward Israel. 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” using blue markers before launch.
Similar messages were reportedly addressed to people in Spain, Pakistan, and Germany, signaling a broader outreach to nations perceived as sympathetic to Tehran.
The Military Context
The messages appeared during what Iran described as the 83rd wave of its military campaign, part of Operation True Promise 4, carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to Iranian network Press TV.
| Targets of the Latest Wave |
|---|
| Oil storage facilities in Ashdod |
| Military sites near Modi’in |
| US military information exchange centre |
| US bases at Al-Dhafra and Al-Udeiri |
| Ali Al-Salem Air Base |
| Sheikh Isa Base |
The IRGC said the latest wave targeted key American and Israeli military assets across the region, deploying a mix of long- and medium-range missiles, precision-strike systems, and drones.
Why India Is Being Mentioned
The reference to India comes against a backdrop of relatively warm ties between the two countries during the conflict.
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Safe Passage for Indian Vessels | Iran has allowed safe passage for Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz, even as restrictions remain for US and allied vessels. |
| Humanitarian Support from Kashmir | Civilians in Jammu and Kashmir have organized donation drives to aid Iran, with contributions ranging from cash to jewelry. |
| Indian Children’s Gesture | Children donated their piggy banks to support students of Minab School in Iran. |
Safe Passage: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently confirmed that India was among a handful of countries considered “friendly,” whose ships would not be blocked despite the war-like situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Humanitarian Support from Kashmir: In recent weeks, civilians in parts of Jammu and Kashmir have organized donation drives to aid people affected by the conflict in Iran. Contributions have ranged from cash and jewelry to household items, with many stories of personal sacrifice emerging.
One widely shared example involved a Kashmiri woman donating gold preserved for nearly three decades in memory of her late husband. The Iranian Embassy in India publicly acknowledged such gestures, expressing deep gratitude and saying the support would “never be forgotten.”
Indian Children’s Piggy Bank Donation: The “Iran in India” mission shared an emotional post on X highlighting a humanitarian gesture by Indian children, who donated their piggy banks to support students of Minab School in Iran. The embassy said the gift came from “small yet love-filled hearts,” offering their savings to help peers affected by the conflict.
The post comes amid global attention on the Minab school tragedy, where many children were among the victims of a missile strike during the ongoing conflict.
India’s Delicate Position
The development highlights India’s delicate balance:
- Humanitarian sentiment among its people
- Historical ties with Iran
- Broader diplomatic relationships with the US and Israel
India has condemned the crisis in the Middle East and has repeatedly stressed dialogue and diplomacy to bring resolution to the war that began after the US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28.
