The House of Commons defence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attracted international notice. Imran Hussain, a member of parliament from Pakistan, was silenced by Sunak, who also publicly criticised the Indian Prime Minister’s “characterization” of the Gujarat riots in 2022.
Hussain was drawing attention to the BBC documentary’s assertions that the FCDO, or UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, was aware of the “extent of Narendra Modi’s role” in the riots. Sunak said that the UK government’s position has remained constant and has always been clear. We don’t allow persecution in any form, of course, he continued. As for the “characterization that the honourable gentleman has been put forth to,” Sunak continued, “I’m not sure whether I agree with it.”
At a weekly briefing in New Delhi, India’s Ministry of Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi took a firm stance on the issue and said that the documentary is a “propaganda piece” that was made to draw attention to a “discredited narrative,” according to The Indian Express. Bagchi continued by saying that the documentary raises concerns about its purpose..
Jack Straw, the UK Secretary, was also criticised by Bagchi for his comments in the documentary. Jack Straw appears to be making reference to an internal UK study. How do I get entry to that? It’s a report from 20 years ago. Why would we act immediately? How can they give it so much credence just because Jack says it? Bagchi questioned.
When the communal riots broke out in 2002, PM Narendra Modi was the Gujarat chief minister.
