The United States criticized statements regarding the Prophet Mohammed made by India’s governing party leaders on Thursday, which provoked outrage in Muslim nations.
“We condemn the reprehensible remarks made by two BJP leaders, and we are pleased to see the party officially condemning those remarks,” State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.
“We regularly communicate with the Indian government on human rights issues, including freedom of religion or belief, at top levels, and we urge India to promote respect for human rights,” he added.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma made broadcast statements regarding Prophet Muhammad on May 26 that sparked protests throughout the Islamic world.
The comments sparked diplomatic outrage in affluent Arab governments, who generally have strong ties with India. Protesters in Bangladesh have asked that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, an ally of India, issue a public rebuke.
In an attempt to limit the damage, the BJP suspended Ms Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal, another BJP politician accused of making incendiary remarks regarding the Prophet Mohammed.
Since the late 1990s, the United States has worked to strengthen relations with India, thinking that the world’s two greatest democracies have shared interests, particularly in the face of a growing China.
On the other hand, the US has expressed worry about human rights in India on multiple occasions since Prime Minister Modi has been accused of adopting policies targeting the Muslim minority.
