According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, if there are no human values, no humanity, and no human rights, there is no democracy. Democracy is in India’s DNA, soul, and blood. The democratic Indian government operates under a democratic Indian Constitution
At a joint press conference with President Joe Biden in the East Room of the White House, Modi denied the premise of the question and said bluntly, “I am surprised you say, ‘people say,’” in response to stories of assaults on religious minorities and free expression in India. It is a democracy in India
The Indian and American DNA includes democracy, Modi continued, alluding to what Biden had just stated about democracy being a part of both America and India. We are democratic in spirit. Our blood is democratic. We cherish democracy. It was put into words by our predecessors to form the constitution. Additionally, the government operates under a democratic constitution
Democracies, according to Modi, “deliver” without discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, religion, gender, age, or location. Modi also made an allusion to the Indian situation by claiming that social payments are founded on the idea of availability to everyone. He reiterated the government’s stated tenet of “sabka saath, sabka vikaas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayas,” saying “If there are no human values, no humanity, no human rights, it is not a democracy.
Biden was questioned about how he would react to accusations that the administration was ignoring issues with human rights and democracy in India during the same news conference. This criticism came from both outside and within his own party. The US President claimed to have had a “good discussion” with Modi about democratic principles.
Biden said that he and Modi were “straightforward” with one another and that they respected one another. He also stated that democracy and democratic concepts, such as tolerance, free discourse, and diversity, were the main reasons he believed in the US-India relationship. The maintenance of our democracy and the growth of democratic institutions globally are important to the whole globe
The two presidents discussed democracy in their opening statements as well. Press freedom and religious freedom were highlighted by Biden. The two biggest democracies in the world, which contribute to international peace, stability, and prosperity on the basis of these ideals, are the relationship’s guiding principles, according to Modi. They both share a commitment to democracy, democratic values, and democratic systems
The two leaders’ comments were made on the same day that former US president Obama was cited as stating in an interview that Biden should bring up the subject of religious freedom with India, just as he would have done if he were still in office