“We cannot accept violence against any religion on any pretext, and I strongly condemn such violence. My government will act strongly in this regard,” he said.

It was Mr. Modi’s unequivocal and first statement against campaigns that have been disturbing the communal peace in the country. His silence on such actions, some of them by groups associated with the Sangh Parivar, had attracted global criticism, denting his image and that of the government. In the past two months, five churches and one Christian-run school have come under attack in the capital alone, The Hindu reported.

The Prime Minister’s statement won commendation from the audience at the function organised by the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church to celebrate the elevation to sainthood of Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Mother Euphrasia.

“My government will ensure that there is complete freedom of faith and that everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence. My government will not allow any religious group to incite hatred against others, overtly or covertly. Mine will be a government that gives equal respect to all religions,” he said.

Mr. Modi said equal respect of all faiths was an integral part of the Constitution, but it had “roots in the ancient cultural traditions” of India. “This principle of equal respect and treatment for all faiths has been a part of India’s ethos for thousands of years. And that is how it became integral to the Constitution,” he said.

Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church, said: “The government’s alleged plans to bring in new laws [regarding conversion] will create animosity and destroy peace and harmony in the country.”