Indian Prime Minister Denies Discrimination During US Press Event
WASHINGTON — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi denied claims of discrimination in India during a news conference at the White House Thursday.
“There is absolutely no discrimination,” he said in Hindi.
Modi has faced criticism around subduing the Indian press and intolerance towards religious minorities. He said India’s democracy does not allow for discrimination.
“India is a democracy,” Modi said. “Democracy is in our DNA. Democracy is our spirit. Democracy runs in our veins.”
In response to questions about discouraging alleged discrimination in India, President Biden said he discussed democratic values with Modi.
“I believe in the dignity of every citizen,” Biden commented.
Democracy was the overarching theme expressed yesterday surrounding Biden and Modi’s first meeting in the United States. The pair discussed strengthening the defense partnership and relations with foreign students, goals to generate clean energy, deepening the countries’ technological partnership and supporting global economic growth, among other topics.
Both emphasized the importance of having two major global democracies work together.
“Moving away from the old buyer-seller relationship we had earlier, we have transitioned today to a relationship involving transfer of technology, co-development and co-production,” Modi said.
Modi and Biden both noted that they are looking forward to the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi this September. The G20, made up of 19 countries plus the EU, aims to address problems in the global economy.
Modi spoke at a joint session of Congress yesterday afternoon and attended a state dinner with the president and vice president last night.
Modi arrived in New York on Wednesday where he spoke at the United Nations headquarters. He will conclude his visit Friday with a visit to the State Department and speaking to the Indian diaspora. He has also met with various CEOs to discuss partnerships with India during his visit.
Modi remained positive about the future of India’s relationship with the U.S., noting that over 4 million people with Indian origins make contributions to the U.S.
“Two of the world’s largest democracies, India and America, can together make an important contribution to global peace, stability and prosperity,” Modi said.
“I’m confident that based on these values we will be able to fulfill the expectations and aspirations of not only the people of our two countries, but of the entire world,” he added.
Once again, Biden and Modi concentrated on the binding tie in their remarks — democracy.
“In today’s rapidly changing global situation, all eyes are on the two largest democracies in the world: America and India,” Modi said.
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