Syro-Malabar Catholic Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt of Palai sparked controversy when he preached that some Muslims were engaged in “narcotic jihad” and “love jihad”—that is, seeking to convert non-Muslim women through marriage.

Cardinal George Alencherry, head of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, emphasized the importance of interreligious peace and harmony, and said that “all such issues should be settled through discussions with mutual respect.”