World

Obama welcomes Modi's assurance of equal respect for all religions

Obama issues statement in response to online petition urging him to raise issue of Sikh genocide

Web Desk February 21, 2015

A file photo of US President Obama and Indian PM Modi. PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama appreciated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's condemnation of religious-based acts of violence, and welcomed the Indian premier's assurance that his government will give equal respect to all religions, IBN reported.

According to the White House website, Obama issued a statement welcoming Modi's assurances given to the minority communities in response to an online petition.

Launched by the New York-based Sikh for Justice, the online petition had urged Obama before his India trip to raise the issue of Sikh genocide" and Sikhs' Right to Self-determination during his talks with Modi. The petition received more than 125,000 signatures. The White House responds to petition in less than a month after it was launched.

Thanking those who signed the petition, the statement said that during his recent trip to India, the US president discussed the importance of religious freedom and tolerance in India on January 27 during his speech at Siri Fort in New Delhi.

"President Obama underscored that India's success depended on the nation not being 'splintered along the lines of religious faith'," it said.

"As the president said in his January 27 speech, 'In both our countries, in India and in America, our diversity is our strength'. We are committed to working with India to reaffirm this principle not just within our own countries but around the world," the White House said.

COMMENTS (4)

Ibrar | 9 years ago | Reply @sandan: Good to see that country called India, a self appointed world power, has begun to see the light of the day. The way and speed with which Modi has been complying to Daddy Obama's suggestions recently is obvious ...India seems willing to shed her false exterior in return for American mercies Should Pakistan become secular? The main reason for creation of Pakistan was to prevent Hindu domination at a time when history had created deep rifts between the two communities. Hindu leaders had left no doubt as to how they saw the Independent united India. One could argue that partition in the long run has not solved problems faced by the subcontinent, creation of a separate land base, was the only option left. That also suited our departing Masters who not only ensured partition but left behind problems which have kept the region in misery and heavily dependent. It does not matter whether we are a Hindu. Muslim or a secular country. What matters is whether we are tolerant to other religions and that is what Daddy Obama is pointing out...and gratefully the son, known for his rock-like hatred for other religions, seems to be complying....albeit in words only. I wish Obama can also mediate on issues faced by us neighbours, opening doors to India's long standing unfulfilled dream of a UMSC seat.

hellboy | 9 years ago | Reply @sandan: : Muslim parrot the word secular when they are in minority.In muslim majority countries saying the word secular is dangerous. Salman Taseer is secular and he is dead now.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

Replying to X