MEA Issues Memo To All The Heads Of Mission In OIC Nations, Cautions Of “Vested Interests” At Play

The outrage over former National spokesperson of BJP, Nupur Sharma’s remarks, about Prophet Mohammad, has set off alarm bells in the Indian diplomacy circles. The MEA is now reaching out to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries to clarify its position on the matter.

Along with the Gulf nations, OIC, too issued a statement expressing condemnation of the controversial remarks. MEA in a stern reply had rejected the OIC's “unwarranted and narrow-minded” comments. However, it has sent memos containing talking points to its heads of mission.

As per a report in The Hindu, the six-point memo was sent to all the heads of mission (HOMs) in OIC countries. They have been asked to monitor the developments on the issue and report them promptly.

The memo advises HOMs to draft a statement in case they are summoned by the host government, explaining “the Indian government respects all religions; that the comments denigrating a religious personality did not represent the government or the BJP, that “strong action” had been taken against those making the comments, and that the BJP had issued its own press release reiterating these points.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Sohail Mahmood, was reported to have met the OIC Ambassadors in Islamabad on 8 June, and briefed them “about the developments after the highly derogatory remarks by two senior officials of India's ruling party BJP about Prophet Mohammad.”

He added that “India must be held accountable for stifling the rights of its religious minorities, especially the Muslim population, which is the victim of hate speech, persecution and violence perpetrated under state patronage.”

Unsurprisingly, Pakistan is wanting to take advantage of the situation by trying to mobilise OIC nations against India. The MEA, in its memo, has asked HOMs to caution their hosts about “vested interests” at play, inciting people to hamper bilateral relations, and convey that India and the host should work together to counter such mischievous elements.

Also Read: Nupur Sharma Fiasco: Why Modi, BJP Leadership Must Communicate More With Its Support Base