In a significant development, Mohammad bin Abdulkarim al-Issa, who helms the Muslim World League (MWL)—a highly influential organization rooted in Saudi Arabia—has appealed to India for its invaluable contribution in strengthening an international unity of civilizations. The ultimate goal is to promote and distribute the notions of interfaith understanding and tolerance worldwide.

Al-Issa's powerful address took place at a crucial event organized by the Khusro foundation in India's capital, New Delhi. His plea for unity emanated from two crucial observations underscoring why India, with its robust and diverse society, is a fitting partner for reinforcing this alliance against religious intolerance.

Firstly, Al-Issa asserted that India serves as a compelling representation of peaceful coexistence. India, majorly populated by Hindus, has become a beacon of peaceful cohabitation backed by a secular constitution that ensures equal rights and legal protection to all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. He argued that this inclusive ethos that India espouses can inspire and serve as an example for the rest of the world.

"India's adherence to coexistence is truly important. We strive to boost stability and peace worldwide, and we firmly believe that India, with all its rich cultural diversity, offers an excellent model of coexistence that is not only professed in words but is also deeply rooted in its societal structure," Al-Issa highlighted.

He went on to express that the Muslims in India take immense pride in their constitution, their nation, and the sense of kinship they share with every member of their multifaceted society.

The second factor that Al-Issa underlined was India's unmatched diversity, which he believes could significantly contribute to interfaith dialogue. The MWL head shared that he had been in talks with Hindu spiritual leaders, including Sri Sri Ravishankar and Sadhguru, to bridge religious divides and encourage harmony among diverse faiths.

In response to Al-Issa's propositions, India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval emphasized India's unique, inclusive, and syncretic tradition, one that aligns perfectly with the global pursuit of peace and harmony.

He elucidated, "Islam found its way to India in the 7th century CE during the lifetime of Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and gradually rooted itself deeply in the subcontinent. Over the centuries, it shaped a unique syncretic tradition deeply embedded in the fabric of Indian cultural life."

Doval highlighted how the profound spiritual tenets of both Hinduism and Islam brought people closer, fostering social and intellectual understanding. This intermingling resulted in a unique, vibrant expression of peace and harmony, which persisted despite the fluctuations of political dynamics.

Doval further stressed that history often overlooks the societal undercurrents that unify diverse people, focusing more on political events. He seconded Al-Issa's call for institutional mechanisms to promote the positive outcome of ongoing interactions between different faiths.

Furthermore, Al-Issa expressed his dismissal of the theory of an inevitable clash of civilizations, as proposed in Samuel Huntington’s book. He suggested that India’s involvement in a global United Nations-led initiative to promote peace and harmony would be warmly welcomed.

He shed light on the pessimistic worldview that envisions an unavoidable clash between religions and civilizations. To combat this, the United Nations has established an organization called the Alliance of Civilizations, Al-Issa informed.

Al-Issa also revealed that the Muslim World League, in partnership with the United Nations, has initiated a program titled "Building Bridges between the East and the West." He reiterated his belief in peace and cooperation, stating, "Yes, we can cooperate together, and yes, we can live in peace together."

Doval echoed Al-Issa's perspective, underscoring India's commitment to global inclusivity during its presidency of the G-20. He stated, "Our chosen slogan for the G-20 Summit was 'One Earth, One Family, One Future.' We firmly believe that mutual trust and cooperation among nations, civil societies, religions, and people worldwide are the keys to ensuring security, stability, sustainable development, and a life of dignity for all citizens."

He emphasized the need for India and Saudi Arabia to join forces to shape a world dealing with "complex geopolitical challenges." He suggested leveraging religion as a guiding light to usher humanity into an era of peace and harmony.

Addressing criticisms alleging that India treats its Muslim citizens unfairly, Doval maintained, "India remains a refuge for heterodox ideas with an infinite capacity to absorb dissent. No religion here is under threat. As a proud civilizational state, India believes in promoting tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation to tackle the challenges of our era."

In summary, this significant plea for an Alliance of Civilizations made by the MWL head indicates a potential enhancement of India's role in global interfaith dialogue. India's long history of successful religious cohabitation and its impressive cultural diversity could contribute significantly to global peace and harmony. This development might also open new opportunities for India to exert more influence in international platforms and strengthen its bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia.