Lawmakers Urge Biden To Raise Human Rights Issues With Modi
WASHINGTON, DC (IANS) – More than 70 Democratic members of the US Congress on June 20 urged President Joe Biden in a joint letter to raise “areas of concern” in his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
President Biden and Prime Minister Modi are scheduled to hold a private meeting tonight, followed by further meetings.
“As longtime supporters of a strong US-India relationship, we also believe that friends can and should discuss their differences in an honest and forthright way,” the lawmakers said in the letter, adding, “That is why we respectfully request that — in addition to the many areas of shared interests between India and the US — you also raise directly with Prime Minister Modi the areas of concern.”
They added: “Credible reports reflect troubling signs in India toward the shrinking of political space, the rise of religious intolerance, the targeting of civil society organizations and journalists, and growing restrictions on press freedom and internet access.”
The joint letter was led by Pramila Jayapal, leader of the Progressive Caucus of the Democratic party in the House of Representatives, and Senator Chris Van Hollen, who went to school in India for a few years.
They were joined among others by Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Richard Durbin; and Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Grace Meng, Elissa Slotkin, Seth Moulton, Linda Sanchez, and Maxwell Frost.
The lawmakers also cited US reports to underscore their concerns.
“The State Department’s 2022 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in India documents the tightening of political rights and expression. Similarly, the State Department’s 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom in India details the worrisome increase in religious intolerance towards minorities and religiously motivated violence by both private and state actors.”
They further cited Reporters Without Borders to say that “India, a country that has been known in the past for its vibrant and independent press, has fallen significantly in the rankings for press freedom”.
They added, Access Now, which tracks curbs on internet access, rates India as first in terms of the most internet shutdowns for the fifth year in a row.
The lawmakers welcomed Prime Minister Moi’s visit and wrote, “We want a close and warm relationship between the people of the United States and the people of India. We want that friendship to be built not only on our many shared interests, but also on shared values.”
They also made clear, perhaps in view of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to the US, “We do not endorse any particular Indian leader or political party – that is the decision of the people of India – but we do stand in support of the important principles that should be a core part of American foreign policy.”
The lawmakers urged Biden that “during your meeting with Prime Minister Modi, you discuss the full range of issues important to a successful, strong, and long-term relationship between two great countries”.
Mouli
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People like Pramila Jaypal should first focus on their constituency, Seattle, another city going down the drain, a la SF with high crime, homelessness and drugs. If she is so much interested in Human rights and freedom, perhaps she can relocate to India, join one of the many versions of the Communist party and work towards her goals
June 21, 2023Amarjeet Dhamija
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I ditto Maulli for what she writes about Pamela Jaypal. Paramilla Jaypal is nothing but a troublemaker in others countries. What human rights and violations are these people talking about. In Modi’s government during Covid time at religion were given equal rights and freedoms and treatment.
June 22, 2023America should learn from india, before opening up their mouths
Vijay
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Pramila Jayapal should be ashamed of herself. She really needs to visit Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to see human right abuses first hand. Minorities in India are well protracted. And, how about human rights abuses in this country – look at the native Americans who lost their land to reservations. Think about it!
June 22, 2023Maneck Bhujwala
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Ms. Jaypal should also ask President Biden to include growing Christian Naitonalism, anti-Semitism, white supremacy groups etc. leading to growing number of mass shootings and violent attacks on non-white minorities and places of worship. That will balance the perspective of the discussion, instead of a one-way attempt to criticize India and Hindus. Indians are facing attempts by Muslim terrorists and Pakistani ISI to destabilize India and attempts by well financed Christian missionary organizations to convert non-Christians, and this is causing a reaction from small groups of militant Indians.
June 22, 2023Vp
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What human rights, Indian government gives all benefits equally, don’t propagate falls media reports, government gave poor houses, food, 5 lacs of free medical to all. Some territory organizations are funded by xxxxxxxwho are doing hue and cry, feels jealous of Indias progress. Who are these , I hope you know however because of their own interest they try to Bragg human rights.
June 24, 2023