The White House has dismissed concerns regarding the health of democracy in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that India is a vibrant democracy and anyone visiting New Delhi can witness that for themselves. John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, emphasized that the United States administration does not hesitate to express concerns it may have with any country around the world, even with friends.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit the United States on June 22, following an invitation from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. During his visit, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Modi for an official state visit, including a state dinner.
Kirby highlighted that India is a strong partner of the United States on various fronts, such as defense cooperation, economic trade, membership in the Pacific Quad, and Indo-Pacific security. He noted the importance of India in bilateral and multilateral relations, and the visit aims to deepen the partnership and friendship between the two nations. he said.
“You saw that in Shangri-La Secretary (of Defense, Lloyd) Austin announced some additional defense cooperation now that we’re going to pursue with India. Of course, there’s an awful lot of economic trade between our two countries. India is a member of the Pacific Quad and a key friend and partner with respect to Indo-Pacific security,”
When asked about concerns regarding the health of democracy in India, Kirby reiterated that India is a vibrant democracy, and the strength and health of democratic institutions are expected to be part of the discussion. Anybody who are concerned about democracy in India should go to Delhi and See. that for themselves. He emphasized that the focus of the visit is to advance the partnership and friendship between the United States and India.
The statements from the White House highlight the positive view of India’s democracy and affirm the intention to strengthen ties between the two countries during Prime Minister Modi’s visit. The visit is seen as an opportunity to address various issues and deepen cooperation on multiple fronts.
