MEA: India clears its position on statements made about Prophet to Qatar

India downplayed the uproar over a Bharatiya Janata Party leader’s insulting remarks on Monday, saying its ambassador to Qatar had already stated the country’s position and there was nothing new to add.

Secretary (consular, passport, visa, and overseas Indian affairs) Ausaf Sayeed briefed reporters on Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu’s visit to Qatar, saying that both Qatar and India have decided to expand their ties.

Qatar’s foreign ministry summoned Indian Ambassador Deepak Mittal in Doha on Sunday and issued him an official message expressing Qatar’s “complete rejection and condemnation” of a BJP leader’s inflammatory remarks against Prophet Mohammed.

On Sunday, the Indian embassy in Qatar released a statement declaring that “offensive tweets” by individuals in India “do not, in any way, reflect the views of the Government of India,” and that “these are the opinions of fringe elements.”

Sayeed, in response to a question on the controversy, said it had already been reported in today’s newspapers and that there was nothing new to offer.

“What has to be expressed has already been conveyed by our ambassador.” As a result, I don’t believe anything new needs to be included. He said, “You’ve already read both of their responses.”

The vice president congratulated Qatar’s leadership for looking after the Indian community, according to Sayeed, who added that the Indian side welcomed Qatar’s new labor law.

A combined panel of foreign ministers will convene later this year, according to Sayeed.