During the question-answer session following a joint statement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street on Thursday, Indian PM Narendra Modi faced embarrassing questions on intolerance and his Gujarat past.
BBC asked PM Modi why India was becoming increasingly intolerant.
"India is the land of Buddha, land of Gandhi," Modi said, replying to the question on intolerance. "India's Constitution protects the freedom and thoughts of every individual. Every incident taking place in any corner of nation is a serious incident."
"Law will take its course and strict action will be taken. India is a vibrant democracy that abides by its Constitution and is committed to protection of all citizens as well as their right to express views," Modi said in Hindi.
The Guardian asked him for a reaction on the protesters who were outside who said that he does not deserve the respect normally accorded to the leader of the world's largest democracy given his record as Gujarat chief minister.
However, PM Modi evaded the question and moved on. British PM Cameron came to his defence stating that Modi was in the UK having received a huge mandate from the people of India.
When asked about being banned from entering the UK following the Gujarat riots, Modi said he was never stopped from entering the country.
"To keep the record straight, I had come here in 2003 and received a very warm welcome," he answered The Guardian.
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