- Protests Against Modi’s Visit: Human Rights Concerns
- Human Rights vs. Geopolitics: Unlikely to Alter Discussions
- Press Liberty and Human Rights Concerns
US rights organizations are planning protests against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming state visit to Washington because India’s human rights situation is deteriorating.
On June 22, when Modi is scheduled to meet with US Vice President Joe Biden, the Indian American Muslim Council, Peace Action, Veterans for Peace, and Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition plan to convene near the White House.
Washington desires closer ties with the world’s largest democracy, which it views as a counterweight to China, but human rights advocates are concerned that geopolitics will eclipse human rights concerns. The United States has stated that government persecution of religious minorities, dissidents, and journalists falls into this category.
The groups created flyers with the inscriptions “Modi Not Welcome” and “Save India from Hindu Supremacy.”
Another event is planned in New York with a program titled “Howdy Democracy,” a play on the name of the 2019 “Howdy Modi!” rally in Texas, which featured the Indian prime minister and former U.S. president Donald Trump.
According to analysts, none of this is likely to alter the Biden-Modi discussions.
Donald Camp, a former State Department official and member of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, speculates that human rights will not be a central topic of discussion.
According to Camp, Washington will avoid human rights issues to make the Modi trip a success.
The US Department of State has stated that it routinely raises human rights concerns with Indian officials and that it respects the free speech rights of US citizens who demonstrate against Modi.
Reuters did not receive a prompt response to a request for comment from the foreign ministry of India.
Press liberty issues
Since Modi assumed office in 2014, India has fallen from 140th on the World Press Freedom Index to 161st this year, it’s lowest ranking ever, while also leading the world for five consecutive years in internet shutdowns.
The Indian government claims that its programmes benefit all communities and that it applies the law equally. After the elections, Modi is expected to remain India’s most popular leader.
However, advocacy organizations have raised concerns over alleged violations of human rights by Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
They cite a 2019 citizenship law that the United Nations human rights office described as “fundamentally discriminatory” for its exclusion of Muslim migrants, anti-conversion legislation that challenged the constitutionally protected right to freedom of religion, and the 2019 revocation of the special status of Muslim-majority occupied Kashmir.
In 2005, President George W. Bush’s administration denied Modi a visa based on a 1998 US law prohibiting the entrance of foreigners who have committed “particularly severe violations of religious freedom.”
In 2002, after Narendra Modi became chief minister, Gujarat sectarian riots killed at least 1,000 Muslims.
Modi denied culpability. An investigation conducted at the request of India’s highest court revealed no evidence to prosecute him. When he became prime minister, the United States lifted its ban.
Under Vice President Joe Biden, Washington has expressed muted concern, including by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the State Department in its 2023 reports on human rights and religious freedom.
Michael Kugelman, the director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre think tank in Washington, stated, “The China factor is certainly a major reason why the United States treats rights and democracy issues in India with kid gloves, but it goes beyond that.”
The United States regards India as an essential long-term partner.
