Ties with Arab nations not hit by Prophet remark row: Government

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 21

India’s friendly relations with Arab countries were not affected in view of the controversial comments made against Prophet Mohammad, the government said in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

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Friendly relations

India shares historic and friendly relations with Arab countries, which have strengthened significantly in the past few years in different domains. — V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs

“India shares historic and friendly relations with Arab countries which have strengthened significantly in the past few years in different domains,” said Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on being asked if “hate speeches and defamatory” comments made by spokespersons of political parties in India had affected its relations with Arab countries.

“With regard to recent remarks, the relevant political organisation has clarified its position. This has been duly recognised by governments in Arab countries,” he observed in a reference to the BJP suspending its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelling its Delhi unit media head Naveen Jindal for derogatory comments against the Prophet.

Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia and Azerbaijan were the countries that had summoned the Indian ambassadors in connection with the remarks on the Prophet. “Our ambassadors conveyed that the remarks were made by individuals and do not, in any manner, reflect the view of the Government of India. In line with our civilisational heritage and cultural traditions, India accords highest respect to all religions,” he said.

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