India is proud of its secular credentials, its status: MEA

New Delhi, June 23 (HS): In response to a query on the latest report on International Religious Freedom published by the United States Department of State, the official spokesperson, MEA, Raveesh Kumar has said, “India is proud of its secular credentials, its status as the largest democracy and a pluralistic society with a longstanding commitment to tolerance and inclusion.”

He further said that the Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens, including its minority communities. It is widely acknowledged that India is a vibrant democracy where the Constitution provides protection of religious freedom, and where democratic governance and rule of law further promote and protect the fundamental rights.

“We see no locus standi for a foreign entity/government to pronounce on the state of our citizens’ constitutionally protected rights,” Kumar added.