NSA Ajit Doval Highlights India’s Diversity and Harmony, Extols Islam’s “Position of Pride”

New Delhi, July 11, 2023: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval emphasized India’s rich cultural heritage and its status as a melting pot of diverse religions and ethnicities that have coexisted harmoniously for centuries. Speaking at an event held at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, Doval praised Muslim World League Secretary General Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa as an esteemed scholar and an authentic global voice of moderate Islam.

Doval highlighted the exceptional position of Islam in India, stating that it occupies a unique and significant “position of pride” among the country’s religious groups. With India being home to the second-largest Muslim population in the world, Doval noted inclusive democracy’s success in providing space and equal opportunities to all citizens, irrespective of their religious, ethnic, or cultural identities.

Acknowledging the extensive diversity that defines India, Doval underscored the nation’s capacity to accommodate various cultures, religions, languages, and ethnicities. He praised India as the world’s largest democracy, the “mother of democracies,” where people from different backgrounds live together in harmony.

Referring to the excellent bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia, Doval highlighted the shared cultural heritage, common values, and strong economic ties that underpin the relationship. He expressed admiration for the vision shared by the leaders of both nations and their close interaction.

Doval concluded by highlighting the sheer magnitude of India’s Muslim population, which is almost equivalent to the combined population of over 33 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This statistic demonstrates the scale and importance of Islam in India.

As India continues to celebrate its diversity and foster interfaith harmony, Doval’s remarks shed light on the inclusive ethos and respect for religious pluralism that define the nation.