The outrage over the remarks on Prophet Muhammad by BJP leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal continues to grow as the government seeks damage control.
The remarks have seen a diplomatic backlash against India in the Arab world and other Muslim nations.
At least 15 countries, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Iran, Jordan, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Maldives, Libya and Indonesia have lodged official protests against India over the controversial remarks.
The countries expressed their denunciation and rejection of insults of the Prophet Muhammad, and demanded an apology from the government.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the remarks and urged the United Nations to take necessary measures to ensure that the rights of minorities are protected in India.
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The controversial remarks also sparked a trend on social media in various countries calling for a boycott of Indian products.
Qatar, Iran and Kuwait had on Sunday summoned Indian ambassadors to express their strong protest and condemnation of the remarks.
The embassies later issued statements, saying the “offensive tweets” by individuals in India “do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the government of India”.
The criticism from Muslim countries had been severe, indicating that insulting Prophet Muhammad is a red line.
The government sought to defuse the anger in various countries, asserting that it respects all religions.