Statement by India at the event commemorating International Day of Islamophobia convened by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, delivered by Mr. Gaurav Kumar Thakur, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 16 March 2026
Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
India is a land of deep civilizational diversity. It is home to followers of almost every major religion and is the birthplace of 4 major religions of the world. With over 200 million of its citizens practicing Islam, India hosts one of the largest Muslim populations anywhere in the world. Both absolute numbers and relative percentage of Muslims have only grown since India’s independence.
Fostering a society free from religious discrimination, hatred and violence is therefore not an abstract goal for us; it has been a way of life.
It was in this spirit that India strongly supported the 1981 “Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.”
India unequivocally condemns incidents of intolerance, discrimination and violence against Muslims. At the same time, we must recognise that religious discrimination is a broader and multi‑faceted challenge which affects followers of all faiths and beliefs.
The path to meaningful progress lies in acknowledging that discrimination based on religion in all its forms, whether directed at Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists or others who may adhere to other faiths or no faiths, threatens the fabric of our diverse global society. Our deliberations on matters of faith should seek to bridge divides, not deepen them or be selective.
Mr. Chair
We have observed another attempt to misuse commemoration of Islamophobia for baseless, politically driven accusations against India. Such claims, no matter how often repeated, cannot validate falsehoods or diminish India's longstanding civilizational legacy as a sanctuary for every major religion, including persecuted communities seeking refuge. Assertions by the Chair of the OIC IPHRC Working Group on Islamophobia are biased and only show the mindset of the individual. Here let me once again stress that with 200 million Muslims, India is one of the largest countries with Muslim population.
Mr. Chair
India will continue to work with all partners to promote dialogue, mutual respect and equal dignity for every individual, regardless of faith, so that all can live in peace, security and respect.
Thank you.
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