Human rights groups are strongly criticizing the White House for welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and speak before Congress during his trip to Washington, D.C. next week. The Indian government hails the visit as “historic,” while the White House states that it will strengthen the commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific. However, critics are urging Biden to address human rights violations in India associated with the rise of Hindu nationalism. This ideology seeks to transform India into an ethnoreligious Hindu state and has led to targeted violence against minorities. Religious minorities in India face the risk of continued state-sanctioned violence and harassment if the U.S. overlooks Modi’s role in these violations.
Suchitra Vijayan, author of “Midnight’s Borders: A People’s History of Modern India,” highlights that activists have consistently warned the White House of Modi’s authoritarian and anti-minority regime. Vijayan expresses concern that by giving Modi a platform, the White House is whitewashing his actions.
Modi was previously banned from the U.S. in 2005 for supporting Hindu extremist groups that targeted Muslims. However, this will be Modi’s third visit to the White House and his second time addressing Congress. The visit with Modi is significant for Biden, as it marks the third official state dinner he has hosted. Human rights concerns in India have been raised, but the White House press secretary defended the visit, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-India relationship regarding human rights.
Critics argue that inviting Modi to the White House sends a dangerous message to religious minorities worldwide. India’s powerful position as the world’s most populous country and largest democracy should not overshadow the human rights violations occurring within its borders.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International plan to screen a BBC documentary on Modi’s role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, where numerous Muslims were killed. The Indian government has blocked the documentary on social media. The screening serves as an opportunity to shed light on freedom of expression and dissent, as well as remind the public of the violence against Muslims in Gujarat.
Biden hopes to strengthen U.S.-India ties amid China’s growing influence by securing a package for India to purchase armed drones worth billions of dollars. However, critics highlight the long history of the U.S. supporting authoritarian regimes for its own benefit.
Under Modi’s leadership, journalists, activists, and religious minorities have faced targeted harassment and prosecutions. The rights of religious minorities, particularly Muslims, continue to deteriorate. Hindu nationalist groups and supporters of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party commit violent attacks with impunity. The U.S. State Department’s 2022 religious freedom report has recorded a rise in violence against religious minorities in India, including the demolition of Muslim-owned properties and attacks against Christians.
The presence of religious minorities in India is significant, with Muslims making up around 15% of the population and Christians comprising between 2% and 3%. Recent ethnic violence in Manipur resulted in the burning of churches and numerous deaths, mostly Christians. The chairman of the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations urges Biden to reconsider his decision to invite Modi, stating that many pastors in India fear for the safety of their families.
In conclusion, while India remains a powerful ally to the U.S., human rights concerns should not be ignored. The invitation extended to Modi sends a troubling message to religious minorities globally. It is crucial for Biden to address human rights abuses and strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and India based on principles of justice and equality.
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