India’s Modi Touts US ‘Partnership’ at White House, Congress

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.