Nirmala Sitharaman Slams Obama’s Remarks on Indian Muslims, Highlights US Bombings in Muslim Nations

New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance on the treatment of Muslims in India, responding to questions raised during a press conference in the US. Sitharaman accused opposition parties, particularly the Congress, of raising unsubstantiated issues following electoral defeats, while also criticizing former US President Barack Obama for his comments on Indian Muslims.

Sitharaman emphasized that Prime Minister Modi’s government operates on the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Collective Effort, Inclusive Growth) and does not discriminate against any community. She highlighted that out of the 13 awards received by the Prime Minister, six were given by countries with Muslim-majority populations.

The Finance Minister dismissed the allegations made by the opposition, stating that there are existing mechanisms to address concerns related to law and order at the state level. She criticized the opposition for launching organized campaigns without proper data, attributing their actions to an inability to counter the BJP or Prime Minister Modi electorally.

Sitharaman expressed surprise and disappointment at Barack Obama’s interview with a TV channel, where he mentioned discussing Indian Muslims with PM Modi. She questioned the former President’s credibility on the matter, referring to the military actions undertaken by the US during his tenure, which resulted in bombings in six Muslim-majority countries.

The minister claimed that these remarks by Obama and the opposition’s campaigns are deliberate attempts to create a negative atmosphere in the country, driven by their inability to challenge the development-focused policies of Prime Minister Modi. She further underscored the importance of maintaining friendly relations with the US while expressing concerns about remarks on religious freedom in India.

Previously, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, also from the BJP, criticized Obama’s comments, urging his state police to prioritize addressing the needs of the many individuals sharing the name “Hussain Obama” in India, highlighting the former President’s Muslim lineage.