PM MODI'S 'TEMPLE PITCH' AIMED TO QUEER PITCH FOR ANTI-INDIA ELEMENTS

Prime Minister Narendra Modisets the stage for giving massive momentum to ensure protection and safety of temples and pilgrimage sites abroad under comprehensive cultural diplomacy’.

- T. BRAJESH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tough-talk against incidents of temple vandalism in Australia is part of his government’s “larger strategy” not only to ensure protection of all pilgrimage sites and temples of India abroad but also to build pressure on the foreign countries across the globe not to allow anti-India activities to take place on their soil. PM Modi’s remark, “Attack on pilgrimage sites is not acceptable”, was, in fact, a strong message not only for Australia but also for the entire global community. “With this, the PM has set the stage for giving fresh momentum to “cultural diplomacy” aimed at ensuring frequent visits of foreign dignitaries, leaders and diplomats to temples abroad. As part of the strategy, review of India’s pilgrimage sites in foreign countries will be carried out from time to time, during which security and other aspects like approach of the local government will be looked into,” a diplomatic source told The Sunday Guardian. “Suggestions will be given through diplomatic channels to the countries wherever necessary,” a source added. PM Modi will more frequently discuss the issues related to temples during his bilateral meetings with the world leaders.