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.
A major change has been witnessed in the Asia Cup 2025. ICC Elite Panel Match Referee Andy Pycrof
How did Shane Warne die? Big information revealed in the investigation of Thailand Police
Today (Monday) Thailand Police issued an official statement regarding the death of former Austral
Violent protests continue in Sri Lanka. After the President, now the PM's residence has also been
There are frequent incidents of lightning (Gaj) falling in Chhattisgarh. On Friday, 5 people were
It is raining heavily in Delhi-NCR. Due to the rain, there has been waterlogging in many places.
Australia Enter World Cup as No.1 Side
Adelaide, Feb 12 (IANS) Australia will launch a campaign to win their fifth cricket World Cup t
On the special occasion of Independence Day, actor Akshay Kumar has good news for his fans. Aksha
Budget 2021: How many new jobs will come from government announcements?
The stock market and many economists have described Nirmala Sitharaman's budget as encouraging in
The people of Pakistan, who are suffering from the economic crisis, are facing inflation along wi
KKR must win to stay in playoff race; Battle of honor for CSK
The 49th match of the 13th season of IPL will be played between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kol
