India dismisses Iranian news report on Sushma

New Delhi, Sep 1: The External Affairs Ministry on Thursday described as "totally false" a report carried by an Iranian news website which, citing an Indian media outlet, quoted Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj as saying that China should be cautious of a visit by Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

"The report is completely false and baseless," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup stated when contacted by IANS. 

"The Ministry has given no such interview, nor has she made any such comment," he tweeted. 

The Iranian report on Alalam.ir came ahead of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad's visits to Pakistan, China and Japan. 

Citing the Hindustan Times Indian media outlet, it quoted Sushma Swaraj as saying that the Crown Prince's visit was of no strategic concern and that Chinese officials be advised to be cautious of the "US-backed visit". 

When contacted, Hindustan Times denied carrying any such report.