In the lead-up to Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington, US officials have been effusively praising the Indian leader, much to the delight of his supporters and the dismay of his critics. The US ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, referred to Modi as “guru-ji,” and national security adviser Ajit Doval was called an “international treasure.” President Joe Biden even joked that he was running out of tickets for the state banquet because Modi is so popular.
This charm offensive is not unique to the US. France’s Emmanuel Macron has invited Modi to be the guest of honor at next month’s Bastille Day parade. Western democracies seem to be willing to overlook human rights concerns and democratic backsliding in India because they see it as a bulwark against China. The decline in democratic credentials, press freedoms, and treatment of religious minorities in India is being ignored in favor of countering China’s rise.
India’s government denies any decline in its democracy and points out the democratic backsliding in Western countries. From an American perspective, India is not the only illiberal democracy that the US supports for geopolitical reasons. Vietnam and Israel, with their own human rights issues, are also seen as important allies.
The US-India relationship is particularly important due to India’s size and its status as the world’s largest arms buyer. India is expanding its partnership with the US in technology and defense, and more deals are expected to come. Despite some criticism of India’s human rights record, the US tends to tread lightly on these issues, emphasizing its commitment to democratic values.
As Modi prepares to address Congress and oversee the signing of deals with US companies, it remains to be seen if the US will address sensitive issues like human rights and India’s ties with Russia, and if it does, how delicately it will do so.
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