Modi in US

Once denied entry to the United States, Indian PM Modi is feasting at the White House after being invited for a state dinner. US President Biden rolled out the red carpet as both leaders hailed defence and commerce deals aimed at countering China’s global influence.

Modi gave a rare press statement during which he made the delusional remarks that there was ‘no discrimination’ against minorities in India and the situation doesn’t need to be improved. Several US lawmakers had urged Biden to raise human rights concerns but the White House said the president won’t be lecturing Modi. The values of human dignity and freedoms are certainly set aside when vested interests take precedence.

During his time as chief minister of India’s Gujarat state, Modi was denied a US visa over the pogrom against Muslims in 2002 religious riots. As he took over as prime minister, the BJP turned up the rhetoric and passed a series of anti-Muslim policies including revoking the autonomous status of occupied Kashmir in 2019  and attempted to wipe the secular fabric of the country.

Advocacy groups have termed India as one of the most dangerous countries for press freedom. The founder of Twitter even claimed Indian government forced to close the social media site in the country. Still Modi held cordial meetings with new Twitter boss Elon Musk and CEOs of tech companies during the US visit. India remains a huge market and US companies certainly want a share of it.

Pakistan remains on the losing end after the US-India joint press statement raised accusations of cross-border terrorism. The Foreign Office responded by terming the statement as “unwarranted and one-sided” and calling the reference to Islamabad contrary to diplomatic norms. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also took exception, saying that President Biden should consider facts the next time he fetes the ‘Butcher of Gujarat’.

The incumbent government has been desirous of improving ties with the United States. Perhaps it should realize that Pakistan has nothing to offer while the Hindutva politics of Modi do not perturb Washington. In current circumstances, it is unlikely for the world to even consider Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.

The prime minister is making last ditch attempts to revive the IMF deal. The economic team is running from pillar to post to raise funds and avoid default. Pakistan is mired in economic problems and cannot focus on foreign policy. The government wants us to believe we are the victims of geo-politics but it is perhaps our follies.

The US needs to condemn deplorable treatment of Muslims and minorities in India, subjugation of rights in Kashmir, and stifling of press freedoms. It should not use of extremism against Pakistan to deflect the situation. More importantly, the lessons of human rights should be used for all, not just weaker states.