On the issue of attacks on Christians in India, Dr Singh termed the incidents as 'acts of national shame'. Dr Singh's response came after the European Union took up the issue and condemned it.
Dr Singh echoed the condemnation and said India stood firm in the defence of secularism and its values.
French President Sarkozy said they trust India, its prime minister, and the strong words and determination of Dr Singh had reassured them that interests of Christians will be looked after. The prime minister was at pains to make it clear that the government's position was firm and that under the Indian constitution freedom of religion was guaranteed.
In connection with this, the French President was also asked on the status of Sikhs in France with the State denying them permission to wear turbans, which are a part of their religious beliefs.
The French President said his country respect the Sikhs, their traditions and customs and Sikhs are welcome to France, but rules cannot be changed for anybody. He said rules dictate neutrality of civil servants with France being a secular state and this applies to everyone without any exception.
But the French President was quick to erase the impression that there was any comparison between the massacre of Sikhs in India and the status of Sikhs in India. He said the two are separate issues.
Image: French President Nicholas Sarkozy with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the beginning of the EU-India summit.
Also read: Sarkozy's India sojourn begins
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