Action has already been taken against those who made the remarks

Responding to the Qatar foreign ministry’s reaction to derogatory remarks allegedly made against Prophet Mohammed, the Indian Ambassador to Qatar on Sunday said the comments ‘do not in any manner reflect the views’ of the Indian government.

These are the views of fringe elements, India's Ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal said, according to the Indian Embassy Spokesperson.

"The Indian Ambassador to Qatar
had a meeting in the Foreign Office in which concerns were raised with regard to some offensive tweets by individuals in India denigrating the religious personality," the Spokesperson said in response to a media query.

“Ambassador conveyed that the tweets do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. These are the views of fringe elements,” the Spokesperson said.

“In line with our civilisational heritage and strong cultural traditions of unity in diversity, Government of India accords the highest respect to all religions. Strong action has already been taken against those who made the derogatory remarks,” the Spokesperson added.

"A statement has also been issued by concerned quarters emphasizing respect for all religions, denouncing insult to any religious personality or demeaning any religion or sect," he pointed out.

According to the Spokesperson, "vested interests" that are against India - Qatar relations have been inciting the people using these derogatory comments.

"We should work together against such mischievous elements who aim to undercut the strength of our bilateral ties," the Spokesperson noted.

During the day, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) distanced itself from the derogatory statements allegedly made by some of its members saying it was "strongly against any ideology which insults or demeans any sect or religion. The BJP does not promote such people or philosophy".

The party subsequently suspended spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled Delhi BJP media advisor Naveen Kumar Jindal.