New Delhi: India’s friendly relations with Arab countries have not been affected given the controversial remarks made against the Prophet Muhammad, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Minister of State for External Affairs V Mureedharan also said that India continues to give high priority to strengthening relations with the Arab world and understands New Delhi’s perspectives and views on the matter.

He was responding to questions about whether “hate speech and defamatory comments” made by spokespersons for political parties in India had affected its relations with Arab countries and the government’s response to the statement made against the Prophet.

“India shares historic and friendly relations with Arab countries which have been significantly strengthened in recent years in different areas including politics, trade and investment, defence, security, science and technology, culture and people-to-people ties,” said Muraleedharan. .

He added, “Regarding the recent remarks, the political organization concerned has clarified its position. This has been duly recognized by Arab governments.

Last month, the BJP suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled Delhi unit media chief Naveen Jindal from the party for allegedly making derogatory comments against the Prophet.

On a separate question, Muraleedharan said that Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia and Azerbaijan had summoned Indian ambassadors in connection with the remarks on the Prophet.

“Our Ambassadors have indicated that the remarks were made by individuals and in no way reflect the views of the Government of India. In accordance with our civilizational heritage and cultural traditions, India accords the utmost respect to all religions,” the minister said.

Read also | Indian arrested with Rs 41.55 lakh cash in Nepal: Police