Gita issue:India says sensible resolution of a sensitive issue

New Delhi, Dec 29: India on Thursday termed as "sensible resolution" of a sensitive issue the rejection of a petition seeking a ban on Bhagvad Gita by a Russian court and said it was glad to "put this episode behind us."

External Affairs Ministry said the court order demonstrates that Indians and Russians have a "deep understanding" of each other's cultures and will reject any attempt to "belittle" our common civilisational values.

"We are happy to learn that the legal case in connection with the publication, 'Bhagvad Gita as it is', has been dismissed by the Hon'ble Court in Tomsk in Russian Federation. We appreciate this sensible resolution of a sensitive issue and are glad to put this episode behind us," MEA spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said in a statement here.

He also said India appreciates the efforts of all friends in Russia who made this outcome possible.

"This demonstrates yet again that the people of India and Russia have a deep understanding of each other's cultures and will always reject any attempt to belittle our common civilisational values," Akbaruddin said.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna also welcomed the judgement and thanked the Russian government for its support.

The Russian court today rejected a petition that sought a ban on a translated version of Bhagvad Gita. Prosecutors in the Siberian city of Tomsk had argued that the Russian translation of "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" promotes "social discord" and hatred towards non-believers.

India had conveyed concerns of its people to Russian officials in the past one week and asked the government there to take possible steps to resolve the issue.

Krishna had yesterday called Russian Ambassador Alexander Kadakin to discuss the issue.

PTI