New Delhi: In a development that shows the closeness between India and France, Delhi has fully supported French President Emmanuel Macron, who faces uncharitable comments, particularly after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Turkish president has been attacking the French president after the latter called for action on what he called “Islamist separatism.”
The Foreign Ministry in a statement said: “We strongly deplore personal attacks in unacceptable language against President Emmanuel Macron in violation of the most basic standards of international speech.”
The whole development began with the beheading of a school teacher, Samuel Paty, in a suburb of Paris, after he had shown cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Paty, 47, was beheaded by an 18-year-old Chechen Muslim.
The MEA “condemned” the “brutal terrorist attack” that claimed the life of a French teacher in a “shocking way that has shocked the world” and offered “its condolences to his family and the people of France.”
“We also condemn the brutal terrorist attack that claimed the life of a French teacher in a gruesome manner that has shocked the world. We offer our condolences to his family and the people of France. There is no justification for terrorism on any ground or under any circumstance, “the statement added.
French envoy to India, Emmanuel Lenain, thanked MEA for their support by tweeting, “France and India can always count on each other in the fight against terrorism.”
Interestingly, earlier this week #StandWithFrance was trending on Twitter. In fact, according to some French media outlets, the hashtag started in India. India and France have increased their engagement in recent years and, indeed, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will be in Paris this weekend.
The MEA that announced the visit said: “India’s relations with France, Germany and the UK are based on shared democratic values and informed by a common interest in issues such as sustainable development and climate change.”
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In addition to India, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, has spoken out in full support of France. He tweeted: “President Erdogan’s words addressing President Emmanuel Macron are unacceptable. The Netherlands strongly supports France and the collective values of the European Union. For freedom of expression and against extremism and radicalism.”
The Canadian Foreign Minister also spoke in support of France. Canadian FM tweeted: We stand in solidarity with our French friends. Turkey’s recent comments on France are totally unacceptable. We must return to respectful diplomatic exchanges. We will always be united to defend freedom of expression with respect. “
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