Key takeaways:
- Modi’s visit has been met with criticism from some U.S. lawmakers and advocates over human rights and India’s reluctance to break with Russia in its war in Ukraine.
- Critics of Modi’s rule say they are enduring government intimidation, online trolling, legal harassment and effective bans on travel to India.
- The Biden administration and leaders of both major political parties agree that India is a vital ally for Washington’s top foreign policy goal and a partner on defense, technology and mitigating climate change.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a rare address to a joint session of Congress on Thursday, the same day President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden host him for a state dinner. This honor is typically reserved for the closest allies of the U.S., and is a reflection of the Biden administration’s view that India is a vital ally for Washington’s top foreign policy goal of containing the rise of China.
Modi’s visit has been met with criticism from some U.S. lawmakers and advocates over human rights and India’s reluctance to break with Russia in its war in Ukraine. Hundreds of activists are working to challenge the delicate choreography of the visit, while risking backlash from the authoritarian strains within Modi’s movement.
Critics of Modi’s rule say they are enduring government intimidation, online trolling, legal harassment and effective bans on travel to India. Despite this, Modi will receive a 21-gun welcome salute and a state dinner Thursday, the first time since becoming prime minister.
The Biden administration and leaders of both major political parties agree that India is a vital ally for Washington’s top foreign policy goal and a partner on defense, technology and mitigating climate change. The state dinner is seen as a sign of the U.S.’s commitment to strengthening ties with India.
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