National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, during an event at the India Islamic Cultural Centre stated that India has long been a diverse nation, with various cultures and religions co-existing peacefully for centuries.

Speaking at the event, Doval expressed that amongst the religious groups in India, Islam holds a unique and significant position of pride.

The gathering also featured an address by the secretary general of the Muslim World League, and a respected figure in modern Islam, Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who is currently on a visit to India.

Doval commended Al-Issa's knowledge and understanding of the religion.

The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia was described as "excellent" by Doval, who attributes it to the shared cultural heritage, common values, and economic ties.

NSA Doval further added, "Our leaders share a common vision for the future and have been closely interacting with each other."

Emphasising that India, as the world's largest democracy and the mother of democracies, is a land of incredible diversity, Doval said, "In your (Al-Issa) talk you elaborately mentioned diversity as a fundamental trait of our existence. It (India) has been a melting pot of cultures, religions, languages and ethnicities that have co-existed in harmony for centuries. As an inclusive democracy, India has successfully managed to provide space for all its citizens regardless of their religious, ethnic and cultural identities."

He further said, "Amongst its numerous religious groups, Islam occupies a unique and significant position of pride, with India being home to the second largest Muslim population in the world."

Doval also highlighted that India's Muslim population is almost equal to the combined population of over 33 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

India Islamic Cultural Centre

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