Democratic Party sources told The Quint, “While the letter is carefully worded, it should be concerning for Modi.”
As Prime Mininster Narendra Modi flies towards Andrews Airbase in Maryland for a 3-day State visit to the United States, dozens of US lawmakers urged President Joe Biden to raise human rights issues with Modi.
The letter, signed by Senator Chris Van Hollen, Representative Pramila Jayapal and signed by at least 60 other members of Congress, said:
“We do not endorse any particular Indian leader or political party — that is the decision of the people of India — but we do stand in support of the important principles that should be a core part of American foreign policy.”
While many are calling PM Modi’s visit to the US a turning point in bilateral relations between the two countries, the letter urged Biden that during his meeting with Modi, he “discuss the full range of issues important to a successful, strong, and long-term relationship between our two great countries.”
“As longtime supporters of a strong U.S.-India relationship, we also believe that friends can and should discuss their differences in an honest and forthright way. That is why we respectfully request that — in addition to the many areas of shared interests between India and the U.S. — you also raise directly with Prime Minister Modi areas of concern”
Letter from 60+ Democratic Lawmakers, Addressed to President Biden, Regarding PM Modi’s Visit.
Democratic Party sources, close to several signatory lawmakers, told The Quint, “The letter should be very concerning for the Modi government. While it is carefully worded, I would characterise it as a stern review, if not a harsh one.
The letter also brought up India’s slipping press freedom ranking after annual assessments compiled by Reporters Without Borders, and said that according to Access Now, India ranks first in terms of the most internet shutdowns for the fifth year in a row.