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WASHINGTON: Dozens of US President Joe Biden’s fellow Democrats urged him on Tuesday to raise human rights issues with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s visit to Washington this week, according to a letter sent to Biden.
Modi left for Washington on Tuesday for a visit projected as a milestone in ties between the two countries.
However, the lawmakers said they were concerned about religious intolerance, press freedoms, internet access and the targeting of civil society groups.
“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,” said the letter, led by Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Pramila Jayapal.
A total of 75 Democratic senators and members of the House of Representatives signed the letter, sent to the White House on Tuesday and reported by Reuters.
Modi will address a joint meeting of the House and Senate on Thursday, one of the highest honours Washington affords to foreign dignitaries.
Human Rights Watch also urged the administration and congressional leaders to hold “meaningful discussions” on human rights issues, as US and Indian officials indicated that major defence and trade agreements may be signed during the June 21-24 visit,
Acknowledging the significance of the visit, HRW pointed out that under Mr Modi, “respect for civil and political rights has markedly deteriorated.”
It urged US administration and congressional leaders to encourage Mr. Modi to “take robust action to stem discriminatory policies and practices against minorities and other marginalized groups.”
On June 22, when Mr. Modi will address a joint session of the US Congress, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar will host a policy briefing on human rights violations in India.
Other US lawmakers will also join Ms. Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, in exposing how the Modi government treats minorities, particularly Muslims, in India.
It’s no surprise that Washington sees Mr Modi’s visit as an opportunity to strengthen a relationship that many believe can be useful for countering China. A recent survey showed that 70pc Americans like India as compared to only 15pc who like China.
Major announcements expected during the visit are US approval to manufacture General Electric engines in India for its domestically produced fighter jets, India’s purchase of 31 armed MQ-9B Sea-Guardian drones made by General Atomics worth $3 billion, and removal of US obstacles that prevent smoother trade in defence and high technology.