Despite facing persecution elsewhere in world, Muslims living happily in India: PM Modi

"Despite facing persecution elsewhere in the world, Muslims have found a safe haven in India, living happily and prospering," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview when he was asked about what future the Muslim minority has in India.

In an interview to Financial Times, PM Modi said, "The Indian society itself has no feeling of discrimination towards any religious minority."

The UK-based newspaper has alleged that "anti-Muslim hate speech has proliferated under BJP rule."

'Critics entitled to their opinions'

The Prime Minister further said, "Our critics are entitled to their opinions and the freedom to express them."

"However, there is a fundamental issue with such allegations, which often appear as criticism," PM Modi said speaking about the concerns over the health of the Indian democracy.

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"These claims not only insult the intelligence of the Indian people but also underestimate their deep commitment to values like diversity and democracy," PM Modi said.

PM Modi also cited the long history of outsiders who underestimated India. “In 1947, when India became independent, the British who left made a lot of very dire predictions about India’s future. But we have seen that those predictions and preconceptions have all been proven false," PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi added that those who similarly doubt his government will also be proven wrong.

PM Modi on Israel–Hamas conflict

The report claimed that amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the Indian government-led by PM Modi has refrained from criticisting Benjamin Netanyahu's government. However, PM Modi highlighted to the publication that India has supported the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and has been reiterating its support for a two-state solution.

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"I remain in touch with the leaders in the region (Palestine). If there is anything India can do to take forward efforts towards peace, we will certainly do so," PM Modi said.