WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden has said that New Delhi and Washington are cooperating in different sectors, including climate, health care, space and economy, US media reported on Thursday. Human rights activists and US legislators questioned Biden’s decision to honour Modi with a pomp-filled state visit. In a joint news conference with Biden, Modi bristled at a journalist’s question regarding his country’s obligation to democratic values as India has seen corrosion of political, religious, and media freedoms under his watch.
Democrats boycott Modi’s address to Congress
Indian PM Modi has faced strong criticism over legislation amending India’s citizenship law, an upsurge in violence against religious minorities, especially Muslims, by Hindu extremists, and the recent conviction of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi for mocking Modi’s surname, AP reported.
A group of 70 legislators wrote to President Biden this week asking him to raise concerns regarding the corrosion of press, political and religious freedoms during the visit of Modi. As many as six Democratic legislators boycotted Modi’s address to the US Congress due to concerns regarding his human rights records. The lawmakers Tlaib, Bush, Bowman and Omar said in a joint statement, “When it comes to raising voice for human rights, actions speak louder than words. By giving PM Modi with the rare honor of a joint address, the US Congress weakens its capability to be a trustworthy advocate for the rights of religious minorities and journalists worldwide.”
Earlier, Former US President Barack Obama warned of consequences if New Delhi did not protect minorities in the South Asian country, CNN reported on Thursday. The former President called for the safety of minorities in India as Biden hosts Narendra Modi in Washington.
In an interview with CNN, Obama said that “If you do not protect the rights of minorities in India, then there is a very strong possibility that India at some point starts pulling apart.”
In 2005, the United States cancelled Modi’s visa to the U.S., quoting concerns that, as chief minister (CM) of Gujarat, he did not take measures to stop violence against Muslims in 2002.
