An organisation of Indian-American Christians has thanked US President Donald Trump for raising the issue of religious freedom and the plight of minorities during his talk with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying political tranquillity is fundamental to economic progress.

The Federation of Indian American Christian organisations in North America (FIACONA) said it “truly hopes” that the Indian government would respond positively to the concern expressed by the president that would be in the best interest of the country. Asked specifically about allegations that Muslims are being subjected to discrimination and there have been rising cases of hate crime in India, Trump in New Delhi on February 25 said: “We did discuss that and specifically Muslims. We also discussed Christians.”

“I had a very powerful answer from the Prime Minister. We talked about religious liberty for a long period of time in front of lot of people. I had a very very powerful answer I think,” he said.

Reacting to the remarks of Trump, president of FIACONA Koshy George said: “Although we lack any substance from their discussions, we are encouraged to see that the president took the opportunity to include the issue of religious freedom as a priority item at these important bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi.”

Despite the best efforts to showcase India in a positive light, the world is also watching the ongoing violence “as a result of the policies enunciated by the current BJP regime,” said John Prabhudoss, chairman of the FIACONA.

“Political tranquillity is fundamental to economic progress, and by promoting the policies that drive the country towards majoritarianism and intolerance, the Modi regime may be jeopardizing the prosperity of its ordinary citizens,” he said.

“We call upon the Prime Minister to uphold India’s constitution that guarantees freedom of conscience and religious freedom to every Indian,” Prabhudoss said.