Johnnie Moore, the former chief of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), has criticized former US President Barack Obama for his remarks on India. Moore believes that instead of criticizing India, Obama should acknowledge and appreciate the country’s diversity and status as the world’s largest democracy.
Moore, an evangelical leader, stated that both India and the United States are imperfect nations, but their diversity is a source of strength that should be commended. He made these comments in response to Obama’s recent CNN interview, where the former president suggested that President Joe Biden should raise concerns about religious freedom in India.
Moore argued that it is more tactful in geopolitics to privately offer criticism while publicly expressing praise, particularly for democratic countries. Despite his disagreement with Obama, Moore acknowledged that the former president also complimented Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Moore, who served as a spiritual advisor to former President Donald Trump, praised India’s diverse democracy and highlighted the significance of celebrating its achievements.
He also commended the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and the President of Egypt, emphasizing the values of democracy and pluralism demonstrated during their interaction. Moore concluded by stating that India’s democratic principles and diverse society serve as an inspiration from which the United States can learn.
