Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first press conference in nine years, addressed concerns about human rights and discrimination against religious minorities. During a state visit with U.S. President Joe Biden, the two leaders took questions from reporters to strengthen ties between the two countries.
When asked about improving rights for Muslims and minorities and upholding free speech, Modi emphasized the importance of democracy, stating that it is ingrained in India’s DNA. He asserted that there is no place for discrimination in a democracy and that India does not discriminate based on caste, creed, age, or geographical location.
However, Modi did not directly address specific concerns about religious discrimination. Critics have accused his government of fostering hostility towards India’s Muslim minority and cracking down on political opponents. A Human Rights Watch report from last year highlighted caste-based violence and attacks on Muslims, along with politically motivated harassment.
President Biden described the relationship between India and the U.S. as consequential, and when asked about India’s human rights record, he stated that they had a good discussion about democratic values. Biden differentiated the human rights concerns in India from those in China, emphasizing the mutual respect between the two democracies.
It was reported that Indian officials wanted to avoid questions and issue a joint statement instead, but eventually agreed to the press conference compromise. This marks the first time Modi has answered questions at a press conference since becoming prime minister. In the past, questions were answered by a senior party member next to him.
Some American voices, including Bernie Sanders, have called on President Biden to denounce Hindu nationalism in India and address concerns about the erosion of democracy in the country. Some Democratic representatives, such as Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Cori Bush, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, boycotted Modi’s address to Congress.
India’s ranking on the Reporters Sans Frontiers press freedom index has fallen, and minority communities, particularly Indian Muslims, have faced increased attacks under Modi’s leadership. Calls for the ethnic cleansing of Muslims and Christians have raised concerns, with Genocide Watch issuing a ‘Genocide Alert’ for India.
In an open letter to Biden, the organization Hindus for Human Rights urged him to take a public stand against authoritarianism and lead the fight for democracy.
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