Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

Govt. Expresses concern over publication of cartoons that offend religious sentiments

The Government is deeply concerned about the growing controversy over the publication of cartoons that offend the Muslim Community worldwide.

At the time these offending cartoons were first published, Indian outrage at this had been conveyed to the Danish Government both in New Delhi and in Copenhagen, in October, 2005 itself. It was suggested by the Government at that time that apologies should be sought and assurances obtained by the Danish Government that the concerned newspaper would prevent recurrence of such incidents.

It is incumbent on all of us to be sensitive to the beliefs and sentiments of others and avoid all actions that cause hurt to them. India's commitment to religious harmony and tolerance is unshakeable and actions that cause hurt to the sentiments of any part of our people are not acceptable.