Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Kashmir

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has consistently voiced strong criticism against India's policies concerning the region of Kashmir, framing the issue as one of oppression against Muslims. His most notable recent intervention occurred after the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, when he publicly demanded the Indian government adopt a "just policy" and prevent the "oppression & bullying of Muslims in this region." This stance has been repeated, with earlier statements calling on the Muslim world to support the "oppressed Muslims of Kashmir" and repudiate oppressors. The Iranian leadership has historically perceived the dispute as stemming from the "vicious British government's measures" upon leaving the subcontinent, intentionally leaving a wound.

Despite his strong rhetoric on Kashmir, which often draws sharp rebukes from India as interference in its internal affairs, the Supreme Leader has also sought to maintain generally cooperative and pragmatic diplomatic and economic ties with New Delhi. This reflects a balancing act, as Iran has sought to maintain relations with both India and Pakistan, while sometimes prioritizing strategic interests over purely ideological alignment. On a historical note, before assuming his current office, he visited Kashmir in 1980 and delivered a speech aimed at fostering unity between Shia and Sunni Muslims in the area.