Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, made bold remarks during his appearance at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, addressing concerns about minority rights in India and slamming false narratives of discrimination allegedly used by some individuals to justify migration.

India is a Safe Haven for Minorities: Puri

Minister Puri began by stating unequivocally that India is the safest country for minorities, citing his own experience as a Sikh in various high-ranking government positions. "I never faced any discrimination as a Sikh in India," he said, dismissing allegations that India marginalises its minority communities.

This statement comes at a time when India is engaged in diplomatic friction with countries like Canada, the UK, and the US over their failure to curb the Khalistani extremist activities that pose a threat to India’s national unity.

Targeting False Narratives Used for Migration

Taking a direct shot at individuals who claim religious or ethnic persecution in India to settle abroad, particularly in Canada, Puri said:

“The Sikhs who say this ... if you want to go and settle in another country like Canada, make up some other story. Not because you are being persecuted or discriminated against here. Pure BS (bulls**t).”

The candid nature of his remarks has stirred debate, but many within government and nationalist circles have applauded his forthright stance against appeasement politics and misinformation.

Sikh Contributions to India Highlighted

Puri elaborated on the rich contributions of the Sikh community in India, disproving claims of systemic bias.

• "Sikhs comprise just 1.4 percent of India’s population," he noted.

• "Our contribution to the armed forces is 20 percent."

• "When I joined the Indian Foreign Service, there were five Sikhs in my batch, most of whom wore turbans."

These statistics were meant to reflect the deep integration and success of Sikhs within Indian society, including in elite institutions like the armed forces and the foreign service.

Political Angle: Appeasement and Fear Mongering

Hardeep Singh Puri didn’t stop at highlighting community success; he went on to criticize political parties that he accused of spreading fear among minorities for electoral gain.

“Look at what a foolish stand they are taking on the recent legislation,” he said, referring to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill recently cleared by Parliament.

He asserted that such parties have long engaged in "appeasement politics", painting a misleading picture of discrimination in India to gain votes and influence.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill Context

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was passed recently, has been met with resistance from some political parties and minority leaders who claim it weakens Muslim representation and property rights. However, the government maintains that the bill ensures better transparency and regulation of Waqf properties and prevents their misuse.

Puri’s comments in this context were aimed at those who, in his view, deliberately misrepresent government intentions to create fear and division.

India’s Global Image vs. Internal Reality

With growing attention on India's internal human rights record from international watchdogs and foreign governments, the government has been quick to counter any accusations with data and examples like Puri’s.

The rising issue of Khalistani extremism — particularly among diaspora groups in Canada, the UK, and the US — has led to a spike in tensions. The Indian government has responded strongly, accusing these countries of harbouring separatist elements while ignoring legitimate security concerns raised by New Delhi.

A Broader Message

Puri's remarks send a strong message — both domestically and internationally — that India rejects any narrative that misrepresents its democratic, pluralistic society. They also represent a counterattack against what India views as unfair characterisations in global media or by foreign governments.

By sharing personal anecdotes and citing real-world statistics, Puri presented a compelling argument that minority communities, particularly Sikhs, not only live without discrimination in India but are also central to its national progress.

Conclusion

In a nation as diverse and complex as India, the topic of minority rights is often debated. However, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's emphatic statements at the Rising Bharat Summit 2025 offer a clear governmental perspective on the issue.

He urged individuals to stop using fake persecution narratives for personal immigration agendas and urged citizens and global observers alike to recognise the real contributions of India's minorities. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his tone, the debate around national identity, freedom, and inclusion continues — and Puri’s comments are sure to shape its next chapter.

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