US 'condemns' Islamophobic remarks by BJP officials.

WASHINGTON -- The United States has condemned the 'offensive comments' made by India's ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) against Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

During a press briefing in Washington DC, a reporter from a private Pakistani news channel asked what the stance of the US government was with regard to 'hate crimes committed by the Indian government against Muslims and other minorities'.

In response, the US State Department spokesperson Ned Price stated that the Biden administration had condemned the remarks and were 'glad to see that the party [BJP] publicly condemned those comments'.

Price added that the United States frequently engages with the Indian government at senior levels on 'human rights concerns, including freedom of religion or belief, and we encourage India to promote respect for human rights'.

However, the spokesperson also seemingly defended India's actions by stating that the 'Indian people and the American people believe in the same values: human dignity, human respect, equality of opportunity, and the freedom of religion or belief'.

The reporter also questioned Washington's position on partnership with the new Pakistani government, in lieu of the 'conspiracy theories' being 'sold' by former prime minister Imran Khan.

In response, Price stated that the US leadership had on a couple of occasions met with representatives of the incumbent government.

'Secretary Blinken had an opportunity to sit down with his Pakistani counterpart [foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto] to meet him face-to-face in his position for the first time. It was a very good, constructive discussion regarding the full range of issues, including the issue of food security,' Price added.

The spokesperson also stated that the 'aftereffects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine' were also discussed, alluding to former premier Imran Khan's trip to Moscow on the eve of the invasion.

However, Price claimed that 'Pakistan is a partner of ours' and the US would look...