As Blowback Against India Spreads, 15 Nations Condemn Remarks On Prophet

The diplomatic outrage over BJP leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal’s remarks about Prophet Muhammad persisted, despite the government’s efforts to defuse the situation in various countries by asserting that it respects all religions.

At least 15 countries have lodged official protests against India over the controversial remarks, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Iran, Jordan, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Maldives, Libya, and Indonesia. The countries condemned and rejected insults directed at the Prophet Muhammad, and demanded an apology from the government.

Domestically, opposition parties increased pressure for legal action against the two BJP leaders, accusing them of tarnishing the country’s international image. In a statement, the foreign ministry condemned the offensive tweets and comments “did not reflect the government’s views in any way. These are the viewpoints of the periphery “.

The BJP has suspended Nupur Sharma as a spokesperson and expelled Naveen Jindal for his controversial remarks. The party issued a statement on Sunday, stating that it is “strongly opposed to any ideology that insults or demeans any sect or religion,” and that it “does not promote such people or philosophy.”

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the remarks and urged the United Nations to take the necessary steps to protect minorities’ rights in India. Qatar, Iran, and Kuwait summoned Indian ambassadors on Sunday to express their strong opposition to the remarks. Individuals in India’s “offensive tweets” “do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the government of India,” the embassies later said in statements.

The divisive remarks sparked a social media trend in several countries calling for a boycott of Indian goods.
Nupur Sharma made the remarks during a television debate last week, in the wake of a series of communal incidents across the country. Naveen Jindal, the BJP’s media chief, sent out a tweet about the Prophet, which he later deleted. Nupur Sharma filed a complaint alleging that she is receiving death threats, and Delhi Police have opened an investigation. Ms Sharma had previously apologised on Twitter, saying that she had not intended to offend anyone’s religious feelings.

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