'Bombed 6 Muslim Countries': Nirmala Sitharaman Takes On Barack Obama, Defends PM Modi On Human Rights Row

Nirmala Sitharaman defends PM Modi's approach to Muslims in India, responding to criticism. She questions Obama's remarks, citing US military operations in six Muslim countries during his presidency.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday against criticism over his handling of Muslims in India. She accused Congress and other opposition parties of raising "non-issues, without data" in the aftermath of electoral defeats. Sitharaman also chastised former US President Barack Obama for his recent remarks on the treatment of Muslims in India. She questioned Obama's remarks on the subject saying that the US had "bombed six Muslim-majority nations" during his presidency. 

"During his presidency, at least six Muslim-majority countries were bombed, ranging from Syria to Yemen to Iraq. How do people believe his allegation?" she questioned. Nirmala Sitharaman defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "They (the opposition) create an atmosphere in which people fear that there is insecurity in this country."

The statement followed an interview in which Obama urged President Biden to question Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the country's treatment of its Muslim minority population during an official state visit to India on Thursday.

"During a press conference in the United States, the Honourable Prime Minister stated that his government operates on the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' principle and does not discriminate against any community." But the fact remains that when people participate in this debate and highlight issues that are, in some ways, non-issues," Sitharaman said at a press conference.

"Six of the 13 awards he has received as Prime Minister of the country have come from countries where Muslims are the majority," she said.

Prior to Sitharaman, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, also of the BJP, had criticised Obama's remarks, saying his state police "should prioritize taking care of" the many "Hussain Obama" in India, referring to the former US President's Muslim lineage.

She also slammed opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, saying, "When Opposition leaders go outside of India, they do not keep India's interests in mind. They are unable to defeat PM Modi, which is why they raise such concerns. As a result, these foreigners engage in debate without taking into account the ground realities."