'They use Hindu nationalist for Indian govt but not Christian nationalist for govts in America or Europe': Jaishankar slams foreign media

"If you read foreign newspapers, they use words like Hindu nationalist government. In America or Europe, they won't say Christian nationalist... these adjectives are reserved for us. They don't understand that this country is ready to do more with the world and not less with the world,"  Jaishankar was quoted as saying by ANI.

Jaishankar was in Pune at the unveiling of—'Bharat Marg'— the Marathi translation of his English book "The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World".

The Marathi version of the book was released by Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis.

Jaishankar said he is proud of representing a more nationalistic government and doesn't think there is anything to be apologetic.

"If you look at the last 9 years, there is no doubt that government and politics of the day are more nationalistic...I don't think there is anything to be apologetic about it. The same nationalist people have helped countries abroad and moved forward in disaster situations in other countries," he said.

It is noteworthy that a two-part BBC series on Gujarat riots—The Modi Question—created a row. The documentary claimed that it investigated certain aspects relating to the 2002 Gujarat riots when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief minister of that state.

The Ministry of External Affairs trashed the two-part BBC documentary on Gujarat riots as a "propaganda piece" that lacked objectivity and reflected a "colonial mindset".

On the investigation claims and the comments by former UK foreign secretary Jack Straw in the BBC documentary where he is referring to a secret report on the Gujarat riots, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said: "He must be referring to some internal report..just because Jack Straw says, his words don't add legitimacy...I heard words like 'enquiry', 'investigation'.

“There is a reason we use words like 'colonial mindset'. We don't use such words loosely. What enquiry? They were diplomats here! Investigation? Are they ruling the country? We don't agree with that characterisation. Obviously, there is an agenda behind it."

The documentary sparked outrage and was removed from several online platforms.

"So if you read next time in a foreign newspaper because they always, foreign newspapers, they like using words like Hindu nationalist comment, okay?" Jaishankar said.

"So next time you read it, ask yourself, how wrongly are they reading me that they actually do not understand that this country is getting ready to do more with the world, not less with the world," he advised.

He highlighted that this is a crucial time for India and every Indian is connected to PM Modi during India's G20 Presidency.

"We want to show the world this G20 will have 200 meetings. Through these 200 meetings, we want to show the world, please, world, come to see India. See the changes in India, see how much enthusiasm and positive sentiment there is for the world in India," said Jaishankar.

He also took a swipe at Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi while referring to his comments on China.

"Why doesn't opposition talk about areas occupied by China in 1962....They never talk about that?" adding, "I won't go to the Chinese ambassador to get inputs, but my military leadership."