India slams OIC, says Nupur Sharma's remarks on Prophet Mohammad 'do not reflect' views of New Delhi

New Delhi: India on Monday (June 6, 2022) slammed the General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its criticism of the country over suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma's remarks on Prophet Mohammad. In a statement, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said that 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. Strong action has already been taken against these individuals by relevant bodies," the statement said.

Bagchi said that 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," he said and urged the OIC Secretariat to stop pursuing its communal approach and show due respect to all faiths and religions.

Our response to media queries regarding recent statement by General Secretariat of the OIC:https://t.co/961dqr76qf pic.twitter.com/qrbKgtoWnC — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) June 6, 2022

The OIC had hit out at India after Nupur Sharma's comments against the Prophet and had urged the United Nations to take necessary measures to ensure that the rights of Muslims are protected. 

Earlier on Sunday, the BJP suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled the party's Delhi unit media head Naveen Jindal for their controversial remarks. The party 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.