India on Sunday rejected a US State Department report whichmade certain critical comments regarding the status of minorities here, sayingit has “no locus standi” to “pronounce on the state of ourcitizens’ constitutionally protected rights”.
In response to a query on the latest ‘Report onInternational Religious Freedom’ published by the State Department, ExternalAffairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar underlined that India is a vibrantdemocracy where the fundamental rights of all its citizens, includingminorities, are protected under the Constitution.
“We see no locus standi for a foreign entity/governmentto pronounce on the state of our citizens’ constitutionally protectedrights,” he said.
Significantly, the report was released just ahead of USSecretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to India from June 25.
“India is proud of its secular credentials, its statusas the largest democracy and a pluralistic society with a longstandingcommitment to tolerance and inclusion,” Kumar said.
“The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rightsto all its citizens, including its minority communities,” the MEAspokesperson asserted.
“It is widely acknowledged that India is a vibrantdemocracy where the Constitution provides protection of religious freedom, andwhere democratic governance and rule of law further promote and protect thefundamental rights.”