London: The intolerance issue in India embarrasses Prime Minister Narendra Modi in UK on Thursday after he was questioned on 2002 Gujarat riots and incidents of alleged communal disharmony in India in recent pasts.
During a joint media interaction with his British counterpart David Cameron, a BBC reporter questions Modi over recent incidents of intolerance and asked why his country is becoming an intolerant place.
While replying to the question, Modi stressed that intolerance would not accepted in India. "Our country is a land of Buddha and Gandhi. Our culture does not accept anything that is against the basic social values," Modi said.
"Whether it is one, two or three incidents, India will not allow people to instigate intolerance in the country with a population of 125 crore. Law will take strong action and will continue to do so. India has a vibrant democracy which provides protection to all citizens," he added.
Modi's counterpart Cameron also faced similar questions when he was asked how comfortable he was while receiving Indian Prime Minister given the fact that during Cameron's first tenure, Modi was not allowed to visit UK because of his controversial record as a Gujarat Chief Minister.
A visibly discomfit Cameron said replied back by saying that he is very pleased to welcome Modi who came here to enhance ties between the two country with an historic mandate.
On the context of not allowing him to UK when Modi was the chief minister Gujarat, he said, "As far as the other issue is concern, there were legal proceedings. I discussed with him how the two countries can work together".
The moment Cameron finishes his reply, Modi on behalf him said, "I want to set thing on right track. When I came here in 2003, I got a huge reception. The UK had never barred me from coming here. There was no bar and it is a wrong perception, which I want to clarify".
The US administration had denied visa to Modi after the 2002 Gujarat riots. During 2014 elections, the British High Commissioner visited Gandhi Nagar and met Modi with a message that London is very impressed with his work and for ensuring development in the state.
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