Concerned about India’s human rights record, progressive House Democrats have decided to skip Narendra Modi’s address to a joint meeting of Congress.
New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez issued a statement in which she voiced her opinion on the situation, noting the gravity of a joint address from both houses of government and stressing that such an honor should not be bestowed upon those with egregious human rights histories. She made reference to the State Department’s finding of widespread violations of the human rights of ethnic and religious minorities.
After meeting with Vice President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Modi is set to address the legislature. Progressive friends of President Biden have denounced Modi for his anti-Muslim track record and his crackdown on journalistic freedom, including raids on the BBC India headquarters, despite his invitation to a White House state dinner like other world leaders. There are over 220 million Muslims living in India, and the Modi government has been accused of abusing and harming them.
Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib spoke out against Modi’s visit to Washington, DC, and called attention to the fact that he has a record of human rights violations, anti-democratic acts, and discrimination against Muslims and other religious minorities. Tlaib and Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, the only two Muslim women in Congress, had very similar views on a number of issues. She decided not to go because Omar claimed Modi’s government persecuted religious minorities, gave rise to dangerous Hindu nationalist groups, and unfairly persecuted journalists and human rights defenders.
Instead, Omar said she would update human rights organizations on Modi’s record of persecution and violence. New York Representative Jamaal Bowman has also spoken out against Modi’s planned congressional appearance, citing the Indian leader’s promotion of Islamophobia and instigation of dangerous nationalism. Similarly, Missouri Representative Cori Bush announced that she would not be attending Modi’s talk to show her support for the people who have been hurt by his policies.
The press availability between Modi and President Biden is unusual for the Indian leader, who has eschewed media queries throughout his nearly decade-long tenure. There will be only one question from an American journalist and one from an Indian journalist at the news conference.
Given the importance of India’s partnerships with the United States, Russia, and China on the world stage in the face of rising tensions, the White House is under pressure to improve ties with Modi.