India is a vibrant democracy, go to Delhi and see for yourself’, America said before PM Modi’s visit
US President Joe Biden during a national address in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, June 2, 2023. Biden defended a debt limit deal he struck with Republicans as necessary to prevent an economic collapse and said he would sign it on Saturday amid frustration from many lawmakers in both parties who backed the agreement reluctantly. Photographer: Jim Watson/AFP/Bloomberg
The US has dismissed concerns about the health of democracy in India under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. The US government said on Monday (June 5) that India is a vibrant democracy, which anyone who visits New Delhi can see for himself. John Kirby, coordinator of political communications at the National Security Council at the White House, said the US administration does not shy away from voicing concerns about democracy.
John Kirby said that the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is going to visit America at the end of this month. He will be hosted by President Joe Biden and Jill Biden. During that time a state dinner will also be organized on 22nd June.
America said – India is our special friend
At the White House in the US, reporters asked John Kirby the reason behind the invitation to the state dinner. On this, he said that India is a strong partner of America on many levels. You saw Shangri-La Secretary (Defence, Lloyd) Austin has now announced some additional defense cooperation that we are going to pursue with India. There is a lot of economic trade between our two countries.
NSC coordinator at the White House John Kirby said, India is a Pacific Quad member and a special friend and partner of ours regarding Indo-Pacific security. India certainly matters on many levels between the two countries. Joe Biden would like to talk on every important issue, which will help in furthering and deepening our friendship. The President is looking forward to the arrival of PM Modi.
‘We are not shy to talk’
When a journalist questioned John Kirby about India’s democracy, he said that India is a vibrant democracy. You can ask your acquaintances what is the condition of India. I expect that issues like the strength and status of democratic institutions should be discussed. We never shy away from talking about such issues.
