Sanjay Kirloskar, Chairman and Managing Director of Kirloskar Group
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushes for foreign investment on his maiden trip to Europe, Sanjay Kirloskar, top Indian industrialist Sanjay Kirloskar said that it is especially important for the government to make clear that "we are a secular nation... we are a tolerant nation."
Referring to a series of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings over the last few months in India, Mr Kirloskar, who is currently in Germany, said, "Most investors in foreign countries are Christians." Mr Kirloskar's words are the first words of caution from a top Indian industrialist about the church attacks at home. The head of the Kirloskar Brothers Limited said that "a slight concern" was visible among foreign investors; he pointed to a protest by a small group demanding "protect India's minorities" outside the massive fair in Hannover that was inaugurated by the PM and has drawn top leaders of India Inc.
"I am sure the PM must be talking to his people," Mr Kirloskar said adding, "We have to send the right signal."
Before arriving in Germany, the PM, addressing UNESCO in France, said that his government is committed to defending the rights and liberties of all Indians. In February, addressing a conference organised by Christian groups in Delhi, Mr Modi had said, "My government will not allow any group belonging to majority or minority to incite hatred against others."