India, April 19 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India's core ideals have never been anti-Islam or anti-Muslim, citing examples from history to emphasise the nation's long-standing tradition of religious harmony and inclusivity.

Addressing a public gathering in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Singh referred to key figures in Indian history to underline the unity between communities during the country's civilizational and freedom struggles.

"Our ideals were not at all anti-Islam and anti-Muslim. Hakim Khan Suri fought alongside Maharana Pratap in the battle of Haldighati against the Mughals. Even in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army, there were members of the Muslim community. Shivaji's most trusted bodyguard was a Musl...