India’s Modi Touts US ‘Partnership’ at White House, Congress
Summary from the AllSides News Team
The White House reportedly “rolled out the red carpet” for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday before he addressed a joint session of Congress.
Key Quotes: At the White House, President Joe Biden and Modi touted several arms and technology deals between their two countries. Biden later said the pair had a “good discussion about democratic values,” and Modi said there was “absolutely no space for discrimination” in India. Addressing Congress, Modi called the U.S.-India relationship the “defining partnership of this century.” The Indian leader also indirectly discussed threats from China and Russia, without mentioning the countries by name.
For Context: As the leader of the world’s most populous country and largest democracy, Modi holds a key position in international politics. Despite Biden’s warm welcome, some in the West have questioned Modi’s human rights record, particularly regarding accusations of silencing dissent and fostering Islamophobia through Hindu nationalism, or “Hindutva.” In early 2023, Modi’s government limited access to a BBC (Center bias) documentary tying him to anti-Muslim violence in India’s Gujarat state in 2002. Six progressive House Democrats boycotted Modi’s speech on Thursday, citing human rights concerns.
How the Media Covered It: Coverage was less common in right-rated outlets. While Fox News (Right bias) appeared to downplay human rights concerns, focusing on an Indian Muslim leader who defended Modi, The New York Times (Lean Left bias) highlighted those concerns, with the paper’s Editorial Board calling Modi’s visit a “quandary” for the U.S.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Center
PM Modi addresses joint session of US Congress, talks of ‘democracy, terrorism, war’Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it was always a great honour to address US Congress and it is an exceptional privilege to do so twice. It was the second time that Modi addressed the joint session of the US Congress, a first for any Indian prime minister. He is the second world leader after Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be accorded the privilege of addressing a joint House more than once.
Modi received a standing ovation and loud cheers from the Congressmen.
“It is always a great honour to...
From the Right
Indian Muslim leader defends Modi amid 'Squad' criticism, human rights concernsA Muslim leader in India blasted plans from some Democrat representatives to boycott Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to Congress on Thursday.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., announced Tuesday on Twitter that she would not attend Modi’s speech to Congress on Thursday, accusing Modi’s government of repressing religious minorities, emboldening violent Hindu nationalist groups and targeting journalists and human rights advocates "with impunity."
Atif Rasheed, president of Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz (Marginalized Muslim Front), responded to the claims by saying that Omar was "spitting poison" with her claims.
"I belong from religious Minority of India but...
From the Left
Biden Seeks to Bolster Ties With Modi While Soft-Pedaling DifferencesPresident Biden emphasized common ground with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on Thursday during a lavish state visit meant to bolster ties with the world’s most populous nation, but he publicly skirted points of friction over the crackdown on human rights in India and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
After a pomp-filled, red-carpet arrival ceremony, Mr. Biden and Mr. Modi announced a range of initiatives to advance cooperation in technology, energy and military hardware but announced no movement toward each other on the areas of disagreement that have strained the relationship in...
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