We expect public apology from India: Qatar to Centre over Nupur Sharma's religious remark

Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday summoned Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal and handed him an official note, expressing disappointment and condemnation of the controversial remarks made by an official in the ruling party in India against Prophet Muhammed, ANI reported quoting Qatar MOFA. Welcoming the Indian government's decision to suspend Nupur Sharma from the party, Qatar in its statement said that the country is expecting a public apology for the controversial remarks.

In a press release, a spokesperson of the Indian Embassy here said that the Ambassador had a meeting in the Foreign Office in which concerns were raised with regard to some offensive tweets by individuals in India denigrating the religious personality.

"Ambassador conveyed that the tweets do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. These are the views of fringe elements,? the spokesperson said.
Earlier, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State, handed the note to the Ambassador of the Republic of India, the ministry said in a statement.

It welcomed the statement issued by the ruling party in India in which it announced the suspension of the party's leader and said Qatar is expecting a public apology and immediate condemnation of these remarks from the Government of India.

"Strong action has already been taken against those who made the derogatory remarks,? the spokesperson of the Indian Embassy here said.

"In line with our civilisational heritage and strong cultural traditions of unity in diversity, the Government of India accords the highest respect to all religions,? the official added.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu is currently visiting Qatar and on Sunday he met Qatar's Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani here.

Noting that vested interests that are against India-Qatar relations have been inciting the people using these derogatory comments, the spokesperson said that the two sides should work together against such mischievous elements who aim to undercut the strength of their bilateral ties.

(With PTI inputs)