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2002 riots unfortunate, never again, Modi told EU envoys
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 8
At a high-profile luncheon meeting with envoys of the European Union (EU) based in New Delhi recently, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi described the 2002 riots in his state as “unfortunate” and promised that everything would be done to avoid the recurrence of such a situation.

India is a multi-ethnic country in which every individual must take an inclusive approach, he is reported to have told the EU ambassadors at the meeting held at the Germany Ambassador’s residence here on January 7. He also assured the envoys that he would accept any verdict of the judiciary looking into the riots. Some of the EU representatives firmly told Modi that accountability must be fixed for the riots.

The meeting, which is bound to enhance Modi’s stature, ended a decade-long boycott of the Gujarat strongman by the powerful economic bloc of the European nations, imposed in the aftermath of the anti-Muslim riots. Last October, Britain, also a member of the EU, had unilaterally announced its decision to renew its engagement with Modi.

EU Ambassador to India Jao Cravinho had yesterday told the media that Modi had come to have lunch with the EU envoys at their invitation. The meeting had taken place shortly after voting for the Gujarat Assembly had taken place, but the outcome was awaited.

Today, German Ambassador to India Michael Steiner also confirmed the meeting with Modi. “I always said we will not interfere in the election in Gujarat and take a fresh look after the election. That’s what we did and part of it was to talk directly to Modi.” Emphasising that India is a democracy, he said the EU has full faith in this country’s judicial system.

The Germany envoy declined to say anything further in the matter, but it is learnt the lunch invitation was prompted by the grouping’s assessment that Modi could play a larger role at the national level in India in the coming days.

There is a growing feeling within the EU that since it has a strategic partnership with India, it would not be desirable to talk to one side while ignoring the other in this country’s polity.

It is learnt that Modi had a free-wheeling discussions with the EU envoys at which he gave his assessment of the political situation, human rights situation in Gujarat and his vision of India.

Food for thought

The recent luncheon invite with EU envoys was prompted by the grouping’s assessment that Modi could play a larger role at the national level in the days to come, it is learnt
The meeting ended a decade-long boycott of the Gujarat strongman by the powerful economic bloc of the European nations imposed after the 2002 anti-Muslim riots
Last October, Britain, also a member of the EU, had unilaterally announced its decision to renew its engagement with Modi