The cause of the fire that occurred in 2002 in a Muslim neighborhood in Gujarat remains unknown. However, it resulted in the deaths of Hindu nationalists. Narendra Modi, the chief minister of the state at the time, wasted no time in labeling it a preplanned terrorist attack. The charred bodies were displayed in public in the state’s largest city, and Modi’s party called for a strike. This strike led to months of violence, with little intervention from the Gujarati police, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, mostly Muslims, and the destruction of many Muslim homes and businesses. It was later revealed that Modi had instructed the police to allow the attacks to happen. A top state official who disclosed this information was then murdered.
Modi subsequently applied for a diplomatic visa to the United States, but his application was denied, and his regular visa was revoked due to his involvement in the Gujarat riots. Fast forward to the present, Modi is now visiting the United States under very different circumstances. He has been invited by Washington and will address a joint session of Congress. President Joe Biden will also host Modi for a state dinner at the White House. This warm reception has become the norm since Modi became India’s prime minister in 2014. He has been praised by top U.S. officials, including President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump, and the current administration has also expressed admiration for him and Indian democracy.
However, critics, particularly Indian activists fighting for democracy, see a different side of Modi’s government. They point out that journalists and opposition leaders have been imprisoned, activists restricted from traveling, and the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir revoked. The country has also implemented a law that could strip citizenship from millions of Muslims. For these dissidents, the overwhelming praise from the U.S. is disheartening and feels like a betrayal.
While many Indian activists understand the importance of the U.S.-India partnership, they believe there are ways for the United States to play a constructive role without compromising security cooperation or being overly aggressive. Some suggest imposing sanctions on Indian politicians responsible for human rights abuses, while others propose leading by example and addressing domestic issues that both countries face. Ultimately, what activists want is for U.S. officials to stop praising Modi and instead acknowledge the truth about the government’s actions.
In India, the fight for democracy has become increasingly difficult. The government has undermined the independence of the judiciary, coerced media companies, detained and imprisoned journalists, and targeted human rights activists. It has even attempted to imprison prominent politicians like Rahul Gandhi. While the U.S. government is aware of these issues, its leaders continue to praise the Indian government and downplay its shortcomings.
Critics argue that such comments not only fail to reflect the reality in India but also undermine the efforts of dissidents. They claim that Modi and his supporters use Western praise to enhance his image and dismiss legitimate concerns about his governance. On the other hand, U.S. criticism makes the Indian government insecure, and dissidents believe that international pressure can have a positive impact on their cause. They hope that American expressions of disapproval will continue to help shed light on the government’s actions and hold it accountable.
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