Slamming the US for its comments on the perceived threat to minority communities in India, New Delhi has reminded it that "India is proud of its secular credentials, it's status as the largest democracy and "pluralistic society with a long-standing commitment to tolerance and inclusion".

The US State department releases its latest Report on International Religious Freedom on Saturday, which drew attention to episodes of mob violence by cow vigilantes, referred to ghar wapsi conversions, and discriminatory language by the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party.

"No foreign entity/government has the locus standi to pronounce on the state of our citizens' constitutionally protected rights," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Sunday. He added that the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens, including minority communities. "It is widely acknowledged that India is a vibrant democracy where the Constitution provides protection of religious freedom, and where democratic governance and rule of law further promote and protect fundamental rights," he added.

This is not the first time MEA has lashed out after the US brought up hardships faced by minorities in the country. In 2016, when a group of congressmen wrote to PM Modi on the situation, MEA had said, " Government is fully committed to the principles of the Constitution".

On Saturday, the BJP slammed the report saying it shows a "clear bias against the Narendra Modi government and the BJP". "PM and other BJP leaders have strongly deplored violence against minorities and weaker sections of the society," said BJP national media head Anil Baluni on Saturday.

US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo is to visit India this week, and PM Narendra Modi will meet President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Japan.

― Zee Media Newsroom