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.
Elemental tales of human history (Column: Bookends)
Numbering over 100, they, in various simple and complex com
The 22nd match of the IPL 2021 season will be played between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers
Oil companies have released the prices of petrol and diesel for today. Today companies have not m
Delhi Metro to Run on Single Line on Select Days
New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS) Trains between Sarita Vihar and Badarpur section will run on single li
Before the match between India and New Zealand on Sunday, Indian captain Virat Kohli held a virtu
Today, the Muslim side can file a petition in the Allahabad High Court in the matter related to t
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Mathura on Thursday to address a public m
Homepod Mini Speaker: Who does not like to listen to good songs and what to say if you have a min
Bengaluru train accident: Doctors save Polish woman's leg
Bengaluru, Feb 15 (IANS) A young Polish woman, who was aboard the express train which derailed
CM Kamal Nath decides to resign, will hand over to Governor
Bhopal, Agencies. Kamal Nath-led Congress government will have floor test in Madhya Pradesh Assem
