New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) The European Union Wednesday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on religious freedom and said that his remarks were "entirely in line with the Indian constitution".
A European Union ambassador Joao Cravinho, to a question from the media here, said that Modi's remarks were "upholding the basic principles of freedom of religion, were very welcome and unremarkable".
He said Modi's remarks are "entirely in line with the Indian constitution, and it is not surprising he made the remarks".
"We welcome that because we know very well there are elements of discordance resulting from radical statements by different groups and it is important for political leaders to be aware of the explosive potential of religious divisiveness and communal conflicts, and Prime Minister Modi's statements were highlighting such concern," he said.
On Tuesday, Modi said his government will ensure complete freedom of faith and will not allow any religious group to incite hatred against others "overtly or covertly".
Addressing Christian leaders at a function here, the prime minister reached out to them, saying he strongly condemned violence against any religion.
"We cannot accept violence against any religion on any pretext, and I strongly condemn such violence. My government will act strongly in this regard," he said.
Modi's remarks in support of freedom of religion came in the wake of a string of attacks on churches in the capital and controversial utterances by saffron right-wing fringe elements.
US President Barack Obama had during his visit to India last month said that "India will succeed so long as it is not splintered on religious lines".
Later during a National Prayer Breakfast meeting in Washington, Obama said that Mahatma Gandhi would have been shocked at the acts of intolerance in India.
Modi's comments also came days after his Bharatiya Janata Party was routed in the Delhi assembly elections, halting his party's winning spree since last year's general elections.
UN Praises India: Import of commercial wheat from India is the main supply line for Yemen: UN
The deputy relief chief of the United Nations has said that commercial wheat imported from India
IPL 2025: Did Lucknow make a plan of '50 crores' to buy Rohit? Statement of team owner Sanjiv Goenka
There may be a mega auction this year for IPL 2025. Talks are currently going on between the BCCI
A very shocking case has come to light from Jamnagar in Gujarat. Gaurav Gandhi, a famous doctor w
Lok Sabha elections are being held even amidst the ongoing violence in Manipur. Due to allegation
According to information, someone pelted stones when the train reached between Durg and Bhilai st
In IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bangalore had to face defeat at home against Gujarat Titans on Wed
Mamata seeks Modi's intervention in Farakka repairs
Kolkata, March 20 (IANS) In the wake of the collapse of a gate of the Farakka barrage, West Ben
UP Board Exam 2022 Update: Important update for more than 50 lakh high school and intermediate st
AAP won as it offered what people want: Pai
Bengaluru, Feb 10 (IANS) The Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) landslide win in the Delhi assembly electi
Bhagwant Mann will be the chief minister's face of the Aam Aadmi Party in the Punjab Assembly ele
