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.
The pollution level in Delhi-NCR was recorded as very bad on Wednesday. Before Diwali, Delhi was
Today is the last day of the Prime Minister's three-day visit to Europe. PM will attend the Secon
Arvind Kejriwal: ED action before Kejriwal's appearance, raid at AAP minister Rajkumar Anand's house
The appearance of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has led to a r
Bihar Election: Is the possibility hidden for Tejashwi Yadav even in defeat?
Tejashwi Yadav could not form a government in Bihar, it is obvious. But in many ways, Tejashwi ha
I feel ashamed: Modi on farmers woes
New Delhi, March 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he felt "ashamed at time
Congress President Sonia Gandhi offered to step down from the leadership of the Gandhi family at
The Indian team defeated New Zealand by four wickets with 12 balls remaining in the 20th match of
Pleasant Monday morning in Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Delhiites woke up to a pleasant Monday morning with minimum temperatur
Strong tremors of the earthquake have been felt in Japan late at night. Four people have died due
CBI will not investigate the case of children's death due to cold syrup, SC rejects the petition
Several children died in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after consuming toxic cold-cough syrup. The
