Middle East conflict: Gold, cash, copper utensils donations collected in Kashmir; Iran embassy expresses gratitude
Kashmiri residents have launched a donation drive for Iran following recent US-Israel strikes, contributing cash, gold, and other valuables. The Iranian embassy thanked them for their support, while PM Narendra Modi discussed rising Middle East tensions with Iran’s President.
Weeks after the US and Israel waged a war against Iran and targeted the latter's military and naval forces, Kashmiri residents are now coming forward to donate to the relief fund for Iran.
The Iranian embassy in India shared videos and images, expressing gratitude for the donations in social media posts. In one of the posts on X, the embassy wrote, "With hearts full of gratitude, we sincerely thank the kind people of Kashmir for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity; this kindness will never be forgotten."
Kashmir takes part in a donation drive
Kashmiri residents have been donating cash, gold, and copper utensils. According to a PTI report, a day after Eid celebrations, youth in Shia-majority areas of the valley went door to door on Sunday, collecting donations for those affected by the ongoing war in Iran.
In another post, the embassy shared a video of a Kashmiri woman donating a gold memento from her husband, who passed away 28 years ago. The donations came nearly a week after the Iranian embassy in India posted details of a bank account on its social media platform for the war-hit country.
The report, citing officials, said people from all walks of life, including men, women, and children, came forward and participated in the donation drive. The officials also added that women, in particular, came forward to make generous contributions. They donated gold jewellery, copper utensils, and other valuable household items. Several families also offered their livestock.
Donations have been gathered, particularly in Budgam and Baramulla, which have significant Shia populations. Those involved said the contributions are likely to be routed through authorised relief agencies, including the Iranian Embassy, to ensure they reach those in need.
PM Modi addresses Parliament over West Asia conflict
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Parliament over the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He said, "India's role in diplomacy is clear. From the beginning, we have expressed our deep concern about this conflict. I have personally spoken to all the relevant leaders in West Asia. I have urged everyone to de-escalate tensions and end this conflict. India has condemned attacks on civilians, energy, and transport infrastructure.”
PM Modi speaks with the Iranian President
Amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has plunged the region into a wider and renewed military confrontation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday. During the telephonic conversation, Pezeshkian called on the India-led BRICS grouping to play an independent role in "halting aggressions" across Tehran.
The 21 March conversation was the second between the two leaders since tensions flared up in the Middle East on 28 February, after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran. According to a statement from the Iranian embassy in India, Pezeshkian highlighted "the dimensions of the aggression, unlawful attacks, and crimes committed by the US and the Zionist regime." He further emphasised that Tehran did not initiate the war.
During the call, PM Modi, who wished Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr to Pezeshkian, expressed concern as tensions escalate in the Middle East. PM Modi also condemned "any attacks on energy infrastructure" in the region, adding that they pose serious threats to global food and energy security. He further highlighted the need to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz and maintain unhindered maritime movement across the Persian Gulf.
Previously, PM Modi also spoke with several leaders in the region, including those of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait.
About the Author
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.
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