Guwahati, Sept. 20 -- Written by Pradipta Guha

India's global image and relations with its neighbours suffer when government officialsor party spokespeople make derogatory remarks about religious minorities, particularlyMuslims.

Controversies-such as those sparked by anti-Muslim hate speech or themarginalization of minority groups-have led to formal condemnations from multipleIslamic nations and economic reprisals, straining India's diplomatic and economic tie with the Gulf states and other Muslim-majority countries.

Laws and policies, including the Citizenship Amendment Act and the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's autonomy, are perceived as exclusionary and have invited international criticism and concern.

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