The White House stated on Monday that India is a vibrant democracy, and anyone visiting New Delhi can witness this firsthand. The comments seemed to downplay concerns about the state of democracy in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled for a state visit to the United States later this month.
John Kirby, the Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, emphasized that India is a strong partner of the United States across various domains. He highlighted defense cooperation, economic trade, India’s membership in the Pacific Quad, and its role as a friend and partner in Indo-Pacific security. Kirby expressed that the visit aims to strengthen and deepen the partnership and friendship between the two countries.
The White House official also emphasized the importance of expressing concerns among friends while nurturing a deeper relationship. He noted that the discussions during the visit would likely encompass the strength and health of democratic institutions, as democratic values are crucial to both nations.
The visit is seen as an opportunity to address bilateral and multilateral issues, further enhancing the partnership between the United States and India. President Joe Biden is eager to engage with Prime Minister Modi to discuss various matters and strengthen the alliance between the two countries.
