India denies having any discussion on ‘derogatory’ remarks against Mohammad during meeting with Iran’s FM

New Delhi [India]: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday denied the claims by the visiting Iranian Minister that he raised the issue of derogatory remarks against Mohammad (the founder of Islam) in his meeting with the Indian dignitaries including EAM S Jaishankar and the National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

“My understanding is that this issue was not raised during that conversation”, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said when asked if the issue of remarks against Mohammad came up during EAM S Jaishankar-Iran Foreign Minister’s meet.

Earlier today, the Iranian Foreign Ministry claimed that Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval has assured strict action against those responsible for insulting the founder of Islam Muhammad.

In a statement, the Ministry said, “Ajit Doval reaffirmed the Indian government and officials’ respect for the Prophet Muhammad, saying offenders will be dealt with, at the government and related bodies levels, in such a way that others will learn a lesson.”

Abdollahian who was on a three-day visit to India to further enhance bilateral ties met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. “Pleased to meet PM Modi, FM Jaishankar & other Indian officials to advance our bilateral strategic dialogue. Tehran & New Delhi agree on the need to respect divine religions & Islamic sanctities & to avoid divisive statements. Iran-India determined to bring relations to new heights,” he said in a tweet.

Asked about the statement, Bagchi told reporters the readout has been pulled down. “The issue on remarks against the Prophet did not come up between External Minister S Jaishankar and the Iranian Foreign Minister. This has been conveyed to our interlocutors as also the fact that action has been taken by the concerned quarters against those who made the comments and tweets. I really do not have anything additional to say on this,” he said.

The BJP on Sunday suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and the party’s Delhi unit media head Naveen Jindal for allegedly making remarks on the life of Muhammad.