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India hits back at minority rights question in Netherlands (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: India on Saturday strongly pushed back against concerns raised over minority rights and press freedom during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, with senior diplomat Sibi George defending the country’s record on diversity and religious coexistence.
Speaking during a media interaction, Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said the concerns reflected a “lack of understanding” about India’s social and cultural fabric.
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Responding to questions linked to minority rights and press freedom, George described India as a country built on democratic values, pluralism and peaceful coexistence.
He said India remains one of the few nations where multiple religions have flourished together over centuries. George noted that four major religions originated in India and added that communities such as Jews, Christians and Muslims have long existed peacefully in the country.
He also pointed out that Christianity reached India centuries before it spread widely across Europe and said Islam had deep historical roots in the Indian subcontinent.
The remarks came during Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to the Netherlands, where India and the Dutch government elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
During talks between Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, both countries signed 17 agreements covering sectors such as defence, renewable energy, critical minerals and technology cooperation.
Officials said the agreements are aimed at strengthening economic and strategic collaboration between the two countries amid evolving global challenges.
The two sides also discussed ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the situation in West Asia and disruptions to global trade and energy supply chains caused by instability around the Strait of Hormuz.
India and the Netherlands jointly stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and uninterrupted global commerce.
The leaders also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and reiterated support for efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and the United Nations Charter.
