No discrimination in India: PM Modi on US media question
What's the story
While responding to a question during a joint press conference on Thursday with United States (US) President Joe Biden regarding the measures the Indian government is taking to improve the rights of minorities, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that democracy is in the DNA of both the nations. He asserted there is no discrimination based on creed, religion, or caste in India.
Context
Why does this story matter?
PM Modi is on his first state visit to the US and is set to address a joint session of the US Senate and House later in the day as well. However, numerous members of the US Democratic Party have decided not to attend Modi's address and have flagged India's gross human rights violation as the main reason behind the boycott.
Details
Democracy is in our spirit: Modi
"We are a democracy. India and America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit and we live it and it's written in our Constitution," PM Modi said. "So no question of discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed or religion arises. That is why, India believes in sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayaas," the PM added.
Twitter Post
Video of Modi's response
#WATCH | "We are a democracy...India & America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit & we live it and it's written in our Constitution...So no question of discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed or religion arises. That is why, India believes in sabka… pic.twitter.com/orVkCVkLLf
— ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2023
More details
Modi's arrival at White House
Earlier today, Modi arrived at the White House to attend bilateral discussions and was greeted by the US president and First Lady Jill Biden. As a ceremonial gesture, the national anthems of both the countries were played upon Modi's arrival. Biden welcomed Modi at the White House, describing the bond between the two countries as "We The People."
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Here's what Modi said on India-US partnership
Sitting at the Oval Office with Biden, Modi said, "I express my gratitude for the grand welcome and for opening the doors of the White House for people from the Indian diaspora." "You have always been a well-wisher of India and have given strength to the importance of the India-US partnership," added the Indian PM.
Further information
Taking India-US ties to new heights: PMO on Twitter
Sharing visuals of Modi and Biden's meeting at the White House, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) took to Twitter and said, "Taking India-US ties to new heights." "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the United States Joe Biden held bilateral talks at the White House. They reviewed the entire spectrum of India-USA ties and discussed ways to further deepen the partnership," it added.
Twitter Post
Visuals of Modi, Biden's meeting
Taking 🇮🇳-🇺🇸 ties to greater heights!
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 22, 2023
Prime Minister @narendramodi and @POTUS @JoeBiden held bilateral talks at the @WhiteHouse. They reviewed the entire spectrum of India-USA ties and discussed ways to further deepen the partnership. pic.twitter.com/cQcSdTp3mk