File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant statement today praising India's Islamic heritage, a tone in direct contrast with many of his more extreme MPs and the Sangh Parivar. The PM used the example to highlight the fight against terror, pointing out how true Islam has "always rejected the forces of extremism."
Speaking at the Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, the PM said, "The confluence of Indian and Islamic civilisation took place in Central Asia. We enriched each other in spiritual thought, but also in medicine, science, mathematics and astronomy."
"The Islamic heritage of both India and Central Asia is defined by the highest ideals of Islam - knowledge, piety, compassion and welfare. This is a heritage founded on the principle of love and devotion. And, it has always rejected the forces of extremism," he added.
The comments drew praise from some of PM Modi's critics, like commentator Sudheendra Kulkarni, who tweeted, "I salute PM Modi for saying: Islamic heritage of India & Central Asia is defined by highest ideals of Islam - KNOWLEDGE, PIETY, COMPASSION. (Sic)"
"Sangh Parivar shud stop believing that Indian Muslims do not matter and that Muslim countries do not matter to India.
India and Central Asia, (sic)" Mr Kulkarni said in another tweet.
The PM's speech is being seeing by many analysts as a possible sign of a more inclusive approach.