In a recent development on the international stage, President Joe Biden of the United States conveyed his commitment to upholding fundamental values during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions, which occurred on September 8th on the eve of the G20 Summit in Delhi, revolved around the critical subjects of human rights and the freedom of the press.
President Biden’s assertion carries significance as it comes in the wake of concerns raised by various human rights organizations during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the United States in June. These organizations had raised alarm about the diminishing press freedoms in India, urging President Biden to address these issues during their talks.
During their joint press conference in the United States, Prime Minister Modi faced questions from American journalists concerning his government’s treatment of minority groups, specifically referencing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s track record.
This media interaction sparked controversy, as supporters of the ruling party targeted the American journalist on social media platforms, prompting a response from the White House condemning the harassment as “unacceptable” and contrary to democratic principles.
President Biden’s recent remarks in Vietnam, which followed the G20 Summit in India, reiterated his commitment to emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and acknowledging the pivotal role that civil society and a free press play in nurturing a robust and prosperous nation.
It is worth noting that the official statement released by the Indian government regarding the Modi-Biden meeting did not mention a discussion on human rights, focusing instead on the strengthening of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
In response to President Biden’s comments in Vietnam, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a jibe at Prime Minister Modi, humorously referencing the absence of a press conference during their September 8th meeting. Ramesh quipped, “Mr. Modi saying to Mr. Biden — ‘Na Press Conference karunga, Na karne doonga’ (won’t hold a press conference, won’t let you hold one) has had no impact.”
Jairam Ramesh had previously asserted that President Biden’s team was not granted the opportunity to interact with the media and address questions about their meeting with Prime Minister Modi ahead of the G20 Summit in Delhi.
This exchange underscores the enduring significance of discussions surrounding human rights and press freedom on the global stage, highlighting the complexities and nuances of diplomatic relations in the modern era.
