France and India: The rise of new age secularism

France which is known for its secular character and who is a great advocate of freedom of speech is struggling to find its voice, as the country has witnessed a rise in attacks by the radical Islamic extremists on its soil. The latest case in this ongoing siege is the case of Samuel Paty a 47 years old school teacher who was beheaded by an 18-year-old Chechen refugee after Paty had shown caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed to his students in a classroom.

This incident immediately ignited a debate on the refugee policy of France and the tolerance limit of the French people against these kinds of gruesome attacks. French president in reaction to these attacks has condemned Islamic extremism and said that Islam has a threat and needs to reform itself. Something which was not welcomed by the countries in the Middle East and Pakistan. India on the other hand supported the French president’s stand.

I strongly condemn the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's heinous attack in Nice inside a church. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France. India stands with France in the fight against terrorism.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2020

India becomes the first “non-Western country” to come out to solidarity with the French President Emmanuel Macron, India on Thursday underlined its support with a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself after another set of attacks in Nice and Jeddah.

India also beefed up the Security for the French missions and staff across different cities in the country.

So far, by French official’s admission, only EU countries and Canada have come out in support of Macron, as Turkey and Pakistan led the siege against Macron. Officials confirmed that even the US, the UK, or Australia have not officially come out and spoken in Macron’s support so far. In this context, Paris saw New Delhi’s reaction as “very meaningful.”