In a notable shift just two weeks after President Joe Biden referred to Bharat as ‘xenophobic,’ the US has now praised the Asian nation as a ‘vibrant democracy.’ White House national security communications advisor John Kirby made the statement during a press conference, responding to questions about Bharat’s ongoing general elections.
“There are not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than Bharat,” Kirby stated. “We applaud the Indian people for exercising their ability to vote and to have a voice in their future government. We wish them well throughout the process, of course.”
Kirby reflected on the strengthening relationship between Bharat and the US, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Our relationship with India is extremely close and getting closer,” he said. “You saw it on a State Visit last June. We launched all kinds of new initiatives, working on critical emerging technologies together, and enhancing and expanding the relevance of the Indo-Pacific quad, of which Bharat is a part. The people-to-people exchanges and the military cooperation we share with India are very vibrant and active. We are grateful for Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.”
When asked whether President Biden believes that Bharat and Japan are xenophobic countries, Kirby clarified, “The president was making a broader point about the vibrancy of our own democracy in the United States and how inclusive and participatory it is.”
Earlier this month, President Biden had commented, “One of the reasons our economy is growing is because we welcome immigrants… Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is Bharat? Because they’re xenophobic, they don’t want immigrants.”
Kirby sought to contextualise Biden’s remarks, saying, “The broader point the president was making – and I think people all around the world recognise this – is that the United States is a nation of immigrants, and it’s in our DNA. We’re better for it, we’re stronger for it. We’re not going to walk away from it.”
Kirby also highlighted Bharat’s commitment to global cooperation and support for its citizens abroad, referencing successful evacuations from Ukraine and Sudan. “As the global workplace expands, the obligation to secure our citizens abroad will also grow proportionately. Fortunately, this is an area where we have already built capabilities and created SOPs, as evidenced recently in Ukraine and in Sudan. We are also deploying technology more widely for the ease of living of Indians travelling and working abroad,” he stated.
He concluded by highlighting Bharat’s ambition to become a global hub for innovation, research, and design, in line with the Make in India and Work in India initiatives, which also support Work for the World.
