Nationalistic approach of Indians ensured ISIS, al Qaeda do not find base: Naqvi

Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Friday the strong nationalistic approach and culture of the Indian people have successfully defeated terrorist groups like Islamic State and al Qaeda from finding a foothold in the country.

The minister for minority affairs said the people of India have ensured the subversive activities of the terrorist organisations do not find acceptance in the country.

"We have a different culture in our country and that culture does not allow their activities to be successful. In counties like the US, ISIS has been able to establish deep roots but not so in India where our culture fights them," he asserted.

One of the most dreaded terrorist groups, the Islamic State declared its caliphate in Iraq and Syria in June 2014. Since then, it has conducted or inspired a number of attacks, including mass shootings and knife attacks, around the world.

In the US, investigators have said they have found that attackers involved in planning or carrying out some of the mass shootings in the country were inspired by the terrorist group.

The Indian government has repeatedly said that ISIS has no base in India.

Asked about the possible presence of another terrorist group, the Hizbul-Mujahideen, in Assam after the arrest of an operative from the state in Uttar Pradesh and several of his associates in Assam, Naqvi said, "They are isolated cases and do not have any impact."