- Monday, April 29, 2024
By: Shubham Ghosh
WITH the remarks made by a now-suspended member of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Prophet Muhammad triggering a massive controversy in the diplomatic circles and New Delhi facing a serious backlash from the Muslim nations, including those in the Gulf, the kin of many Indians who live in those countries have expressed concerns.
However, the Narendra Modi government has assured that all Indians residing in the Gulf nations are safe and one need not worry about their security.
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Piyush Goyal, the country’s commerce minister, said in a press conference in the southern Indian state of Kerala on Tuesday (7), “All the Indians living in Gulf countries are safe, and they do not have to worry. There is no tension, you can contact any of your friends or relatives there.”
“We will continue to lead the world. With all these countries we have very good relations and the relations will continue to be very good. Such statements should not be made and action has been taken against the persons,” he said.
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Several people from Kerala go to the Gulf every year for employment and send home remittances.
BJP is a grassroots party built on the trust of the people.
Spent the afternoon today meeting local residents in Kochi.
My heart is full with the time I spent with little kids, the delicious lunch I had and the warmth and simplicity of my hosts. pic.twitter.com/nS2o3P5YzO
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) June 7, 2022
When asked whether the controversial remarks made by Nupur Sharma, a party spokesperson who was later suspended by the BJP, Goyal said, “I don’t think this statement was made by any government functionary and therefore it has had no impact on the government. Necessary action has been taken by the party.”
Six Islamic nations, as well as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which consists of more than 50 states, slammed the BJP over the controversial remarks made by Sharma against the Prophet during a television debate last month.
Indian envoys to Iran, Kuwait and Qatar were also summoned by the foreign ministries of the respective countries.
The Indian government said in a statement that the controversial remarks were “the views of fringe elements,” and that the Modi government respected all religions.
