President Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are looking to strengthen US-India diplomatic relationship in an effort to counter China.
“Two great powers, two great friends, and two great nations. In a toast at a state dinner, Biden wished Modi “cheers.” Modi responded, “You are soft spoken, but when it comes to action, you are very strong.”
Washington wants Delhi to be a strategic counterweight to China, despite the fact that the two nations are not officially bound by a treaty to be allies and India has long cherished its independence. While neither leader directly criticized Beijing in public statements, they did make reference to the government led by Xi Jinping.
Modi stated to Congress, “The dark clouds of coercion and confrontation are casting their shadow in the Indo Pacific. The stability of the region has become one of the central concerns of our partnership.”
A joint statement issued after Biden and Modi had spoken privately for more than two hours warned of rising tensions and actions that could destabilize the East and South China Seas and emphasized the significance of international law and freedom of navigation.
Biden said as he greeted Modi at the White House, “The challenges and opportunities facing the world in this century require that India and the United States work and lead together, and we are.”
A number of Silicon Valley executives attended the state dinner, which was held on the South Lawn of the White House in a large, elaborate tent. Among the guests were Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, Anne Wojcicki, CEO of 23andMe, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI.
The Bidens continued a White House tradition of providing guests from other countries with food that has a strong American influence and hints of home with a slight Indian flavor.
While navigating strained ties with China, Modi is attempting to elevate India’s status as a manufacturing and diplomatic powerhouse on the global stage. With 1.4 billion people and the fifth largest economy, India is the world’s most populous nation.
The first time Modi has taken questions in this manner in his nine years in office, his participation in a White House press conference was a reflection of opposing political traditions. He dismissed criticism of India’s human rights record and took one question each from an American and an Indian journalist chosen beforehand.
While Russia is fighting in Ukraine, India’s close ties to Russia have frustrated Washington. Modi told lawmakers that the conflict was “causing great pain in the region,” but he didn’t mention Russia directly. The consequences are severe because it involves major powers.”
BOYCOTTS AND WELCOME CROWDS
Modi’s visit was not without controversy. Some liberal lawmakers boycotted the speech to Congress, which is typically a bipartisan affirmation of a visiting leader from an ally. They cited the Modi government’s treatment of India’s Muslim minority as the reason for their decision.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted on Wednesday, “I encourage my colleagues who stand for pluralism, tolerance, and freedom of the press to join me in doing the same.”
A crowd of onlookers also attended Modi’s speech to Congress, and as applause lines formed, they chanted “Modi, Modi.”
A much smaller group of protesters gathered blocks away to protest the Biden administration’s coziness with Modi, who leads the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, while approximately 7,000 well-wishers gathered for a colorful opening ceremony at the White House.
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Modi responded, “there’s absolutely no space for discrimination” in India when asked by a reporter from the United States what steps he would take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities.
Biden revealed to the media that he and Modi had a straightforward conversation about democratic values.
