A letter signed by progressive Democratic congresswoman, Pramila Jayapal, and other congressional lawmakers calls on President Joe Biden to acknowledge the erosion of human rights and democracy in India ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington. The letter cites independent reports highlighting troubling signs in India such as the shrinking political space, rise of religious intolerance, targeting of civil society organizations and journalists, and growing restrictions on press freedoms and internet access. The letter was signed by notable lawmakers including Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren but lacked the support of other Indian American politicians and Democrats like Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Ami Bera, and Raja Krishnamoorthi.
As the small but record number of Indian Americans in Congress navigate the complex issues surrounding democracy and human rights in India, they face political risks due to the support for Modi among their constituents. Surveys indicate that at least half of Indian Americans remain supportive of Modi, and the community is growing in political influence, expected to be the largest among Asian Americans. However, there is also a growing number of Indian Americans who are speaking out against Modi’s Hindutva ideology and its impact on India and abroad.
Indian American politicians like Ro Khanna, who represents a large Asian American district in California, have faced backlash when expressing criticism of Modi and Hindutva. In 2019, Khanna called for Hindu American politicians to stand against Hindutva and support equal rights for all religious communities, which led to immediate complaints and calls for resignation from Indian American organizations. Despite strong support for the US-India strategic relationship, Khanna emphasizes the importance of a commitment to the rule of law, pluralism, and human rights in strengthening the bilateral ties.
The complicated landscape for Indian American politicians stems from the need to balance their progressive base and support among Modi’s followers. Critics argue that qualified acknowledgments of human rights concerns in India fall short and that the US government should be asking challenging questions instead of honoring Modi. Concerns over internet blackouts, press restrictions, and the stifling of dissent have been raised by human rights activists and researchers. South Asian liberal communities in the US have been accused of selectively supporting human rights while disregarding violence and hate against marginalized communities in India.
Experts suggest that as the younger population of Indian Americans grows, the divide between those supporting Modi and those being critical or indifferent towards him will widen. Hindu nationalism, as promoted by Modi’s party, is seen as incompatible with liberal democracy by a significant proportion of the Indian American community, particularly those who are not Hindu. However, striking a balance between representing the US and strengthening the relationship with India remains a priority for some Indian American lawmakers.
Presidential National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that the Biden administration will communicate its views on press freedom and religious freedoms in India without seeking to lecture or deny the challenges faced by the US. The upcoming events, including Modi’s address to Congress, are expected to be contentious, with some members of Congress boycotting the address due to anti-Muslim sentiment. Protesters may gather outside the White House complex during Modi’s visit. While Indian American lawmakers acknowledge the importance of the US-India relationship, critics argue that the White House and Congress should be asking difficult questions instead of celebrating Modi’s visit.
