| 21 June 2023
In an open letter addressed to U.S. President Joe Biden, 75 Democratic senators and members of the House of Representatives have called on him to raise pressing human rights issues during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington this week. The lawmakers expressed their concerns regarding religious intolerance, press freedoms, internet access, and the targeting of civil society groups in India.
Led by Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Pramila Jayapal, the letter emphasized that the signatories did not endorse any specific Indian leader or political party, as such decisions lie with the people of India. However, they reiterated their unwavering support for the core principles that should form the foundation of American foreign policy. The letter, which was sent to the White House on Tuesday and first reported by Reuters, requested President Biden to engage in a comprehensive discussion with Prime Minister Modi on various crucial issues, aiming to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Although Prime Minister Modi has previously visited the United States five times since assuming office in 2014, this trip marks his first as a full state visit. However, concerns have been raised over what some perceive as a deteriorating human rights situation under his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. While the Biden administration seeks closer ties with India, viewing it as a crucial counterweight to China, human rights advocates fear that geopolitical interests might overshadow concerns about human rights. Several U.S. rights groups are planning protests during Modi's visit, indicating the significance of these concerns within the American public.
The U.S. State Department's annual report on human rights practices, released in March, highlighted "significant human rights issues" and abuses in India. Against this backdrop, the lawmakers in their letter emphasized the need to address the troubling signs observed in India, including the shrinking of political space, the rise of religious intolerance, targeting of civil society organizations and journalists, and increasing restrictions on press freedoms and internet access.
While the letter reaffirmed the desire for a strong and enduring relationship between the people of India and the United States, it stressed that such a friendship should be based on shared values. The lawmakers believed that friends can and should discuss their differences in an honest and forthright manner. Therefore, they respectfully requested President Biden to raise these areas of concern directly with Prime Minister Modi during their meeting.
Responding to inquiries from reporters prior to Modi's arrival in Washington, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby refrained from commenting on whether President Biden would address the human rights concerns. However, Kirby noted that it is customary for Biden to raise such concerns, reflecting the administration's commitment to prioritizing human rights in its foreign policy approach.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address a joint meeting of the House and Senate on Thursday, a significant honor bestowed upon foreign dignitaries visiting Washington. As the stage is set for high-level discussions and exchanges, the world watches with anticipation to see whether human rights will be a prominent part of the agenda during Modi's visit.
As the U.S.-India relationship navigates a complex landscape of geopolitics and shared values, the coming days will reveal the extent to which President Biden's administration prioritizes human rights concerns while seeking to strengthen ties with the world's largest democracy.
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