Obama’s remarks about minority rights in India are surprising: Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on June 25 pointed out that former U.S. President Barack Obama’s statement about minority rights in India under the BJP government was surprising as six Muslim-majority countries had faced U.S. “bombing” during his tenure.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on June 25 pointed out that former U.S. President Barack Obama’s statement about minority rights in India under the BJP government was surprising as six Muslim-majority countries had faced U.S. “bombing” during his tenure.

“I was surprised when Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi was talking about India in front of everyone, a former U.S. President was giving statements about Indian Muslims at that time,” Ms. Sitharaman said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi.

“Didn’t bombings happen in six countries — Syria, Yemen, Saudi and Iraq and other Muslim countries — during his term [as U.S. President]?” she asked. “When he makes such allegations, will the people trust him,” she said.

She said Mr. Modi had received the highest civilian awards from 13 countries, including six with predominantly Muslim population.

Ms. Sitharaman alleged that “organised campaigns” were being run to level “baseless” allegations on the treatment meted out to minorities at the behest of the Opposition as it cannot defeat the BJP electorally under Mr. Modi.

In an interview with CNN on Thursday, Mr. Obama reportedly said if India does not protect the rights of “ethnic minorities”, there is a strong possibility that at some point that the country starts pulling apart.

Ms. Sitharaman also took exception to the allegations by U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), saying India wants to maintain a good relationship with the U.S. but she is “surprised” to hear such statements.