Indian Muslims will live for India and die for India: Modi

In a rare interview, the first since assuming the office of Prime Minister, Modi defended the Indian Muslims by saying their patriotism cannot be questioned.

Speaking to Fareed Zakaria of CNN, he spoke a lot of about things from terrorism to Indo-US relationship.

Responding to a question on al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri's recent announcement on creating India/South Asia specific branch of the terror outfit and that he wanted to free Muslims from the oppression they face in Kashmir and Gujarat, Modi dismissed al-Qaeda's plan to set up an Indian branch, saying that the group was "delusional" to think that Indian Muslims "will dance to its tune.”

Prime Minister said, “My understanding is that they are doing injustice towards the Muslims of our country. If anyone thinks Indian Muslims will dance to their tune, they are delusional. Indian Muslims will live for India, they will die for India - they will not want anything bad for India.”

Modi said he is confident that the Al Qaeda's plan to set up a unit for the sub-continent would fail as Indian Muslims would never accept the terror group's philosophy.

On why al Qaeda has not found favour with India's 170 million Muslims, Modi said, “Firstly, I'm not the authority for doing a psychological and religious analysis on this. But the question is whether or not humanity should be defended in the world."

Whether or not believers in humanity should unite, he asked.

“Terrorism is a crisis against humanity, not a crisis against one country or one race. So we have to frame this as a fight between humanity and inhumanity, nothing else,” he added.

On the other hand, speaking on Indo-US relationship, Modi expressed confidence that both the countries can develop a genuine strategic alliance.

"The Indo-US ties should not be seen within the limits of Delhi and Washington: Both the countries realize that their ties are in a much larger sphere," he said.

PM admitted there were ups and downs in ties with the US over the last century, but at the same time he believed there are many similarities between the two nations.

The interview is seen to be of massive importance as it came just days before Modi is to embark to United States for his first bi-lateral visit, where besides signing key agreements, he is expected to address in United Nations’ General Assembly and also address a large gathering of Indian Americans at New York's Madison Square.

Modi, who was branded “anti-Muslim” in United States following 2002 Godhra riots, had his visa revoked.

But after 12 years, when Modi returned to the helm as Prime Minister, Washington is seen to mend ties with him.

According to foreign relations experts, this interview is going to have a big positive impact on “Brand-Modi” before he meets the world leaders in New York.

They feel, Indian Prime Minister’s strong stand against terrorism is going to help a lot.

Also, on the bilateral relation with Washington, Modi gave hints that he believes in "looking forward".