Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Prophet Muhammad remarks row: Islamic nations at odds with India

India gave a hard-hitting response to Islamic nations describing OIC’s remarks on Prophet row as ‘unwarranted and narrow-minded’.

Prophet Muhammad remarks row: Islamic nations at odds with India

India on Monday hit out at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its criticism of the country in the wake of the alleged derogatory remarks made against Prophet Mohammed by two BJP functionaries.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India categorically rejects the OIC Secretariat's "unwarranted and narrow-minded comments" and asserted that New Delhi accords the highest respect to all religions.

"The offensive tweets and comments denigrating a religious personality were made by certain individuals. They do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India," Bagchi said.

He said strong action has already been taken against these individuals by relevant bodies.

The BJP has already suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma while it expelled the party's Delhi unit media head Naveen Jindal for their controversial remarks following widespread anger in several Gulf countries over their comments.

Amid protests by Muslim groups over the remarks, the party had also issued a statement aimed at assuaging the concerns of minorities and distancing itself from these members, asserting that it respects all religions and strongly denounces the insult of any religious personality.

Bagchi said, "It is regrettable that OIC Secretariat has yet again chosen to make motivated, misleading and mischievous comments. This only exposes its divisive agenda being pursued at the behest of vested interests".

The MEA spokesperson was responding to media queries on the comments by the OIC.

"We would urge the OIC Secretariat to stop pursuing its communal approach and show due respect to all faiths and religions," he said.

The OIC had slammed India for the comments against the Prophet even urged the UN to take necessary measures to ensure that the rights of Muslims are protected.

More For You

Mohammad-Yunus-Getty

Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh. (Photo: Getty Images)

Bangladesh panel links India to enforced disappearances

A BANGLADESH inquiry commission has alleged India's "involvement" in incidents of "enforced disappearances" during the tenure of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, according to state-run news agency BSS.

The Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha cited the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance, which stated, "The Indian involvement in Bangladesh's system of enforced disappearances is a matter of public record."

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Modi-Getty
Starmer during a bilateral meeting with Modi as he attends the G20 summit on November 18, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo: Getty Images)

2024 in review: Strengthening India-UK ties amid leadership changes

THE YEAR 2024 brought significant political and economic developments for India and the United Kingdom, shaping the trajectory of their bilateral relations.

A key highlight was the decision to relaunch negotiations for a "mutually beneficial" Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a move that underscores the growing importance of trade between the two nations.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer nominates Raval,  Debbonnaire for peerage

Krish Raval

Starmer nominates Raval,  Debbonnaire for peerage

RIME MINISTER Keir Starmer has nominated British Indian professional Krish Raval and British Sri Lankan politician Thangam Debbonnaire for peerage as his government unveiled the latest picks for parliament's unelected upper chamber. The Liberal Democrats have British Pakistani councillor Shaffaq Mohammed on their list. According to reports, former prime minister Rishi Sunak's nominations for the House of Lords are expected at a later date.

The Labour leader also appointed his controversial ex-chief of staff Sue Gray to the House of Lords. Gray, who quit as Starmer's top Downing Street staffer in October amid reported internal tensions, became something of a household name in Britain after leading the probe into the so-called Partygate scandal.

Keep ReadingShow less
Government apologises for smoking poster with Sikh man

Sikh teachings explicitly forbid the use of tobacco

Government apologises for smoking poster with Sikh man

THE government has issued an apology after a poster encouraging people to quit smoking sparked criticism from the Sikh community. The poster featured an image of a turbaned Sikh man alongside the message, "Make 2025 the year you quit smoking."

The image, sourced from a stock photo website, was uploaded to the NHS website as part of the Better Health campaign but has since been removed, the Sky News reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
No charges for police in viral Manchester arrest incident

The brawl started on a Qatar Airways flight, but then spilled over into the airport.

Getty Images

No charges for police in viral Manchester arrest incident

NO police will be charged over a violent incident caught on camera in which an officer appeared to kick a man and stamp on his head, UK prosecutors said.

The video, shot during an arrest at Manchester airport, went viral online, causing public outrage and sparking two nights of protests in Manchester and nearby Rochdale in northwest England in July.

Keep ReadingShow less