ICC Note:
The European Union’s Ambassador to India has welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s speech upholding religious tolerance in India. At the same time, the E.U. Ambassador noted that the remarks made by the Prime Minister were “unremarkable” because they were entirely in line with what is said in the Indian constitution. As the E.U. prepares to host Prime Minister Modi in April, will they question their guest on the state of religious freedom in his country?
2/19/2015 India (Economic Times) – The European Union on Wednesday welcomed PM Narendra Modi’s statement on safeguarding religious freedom in country and noted that his remarks were “entirely in line with the Indian constitution”.
A day after Modi’s first statement on religious freedom in India EU ambassador to India Joao Cravinho said that Modi’s remarks were “upholding the basic principles of freedom of religion, were very welcome and unremarkable”.
He pointed out that Modi’s remarks are “entirely in line with the Indian constitution, and it is not surprising he made the remarks”. This is the first international reaction endorsing Modi’s comments.
Cravinho was speaking to a select group of media ahead of Modi’s visit to Brussels in April where the PM will meet the EU leadership for the first time. The two sides are also planning if Brussels can host India-EU Summit coinciding with the visit.
…
