PM Modi US visit: ‘Democracy is in our spirit..’, Modi replies to questions on Muslim rights in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with journalists during a joint press briefing alongside US President Joe Biden at the White House.

Responding to a query from the American media regarding the measures implemented by the Indian government to safeguard the rights of Muslims and other minority groups while upholding freedom of speech, Modi stated that democracy is deeply ingrained in the Indian ethos. “Democracy is in our spirit, and we live it. It's in our Constitution. There is no question of discrimination on the grounds of caste or religion. India believes in sabka saath, sabka vishwas, and sabka prayaas."

Modi's engagement with the media by taking questions is a departure from his usual practice, as he has rarely held press conferences since assuming office as prime minister in 2014. While he did attend a press conference in May 2019, he refrained from fielding any questions.

The decision for a joint press briefing with President Biden at the White House was regarded as significant by White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, acknowledging the event's importance. The press conference format allowed for one question from the US press and another from an Indian journalist, as outlined by Kirby.

White House press conferences involving world leaders have been characterized by strict control, with US officials pre-selecting reporters from both American and international media for President Biden and his guest to address. The number of questions asked during these conferences has been notably limited.

Amid mounting pressure from fellow Democrats, President Biden faced calls to address alleged human rights concerns with Prime Minister Modi. In a letter signed by 75 US Senators and Congressional lawmakers, specific areas of concern were outlined. Following a private dinner with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a significant one-on-one bilateral discussion.

Prominent US lawmakers, including Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Jamie Raskin, made the decision not to attend Prime Minister Modi's joint congressional address. They cited concerns that the Indian government under Modi's leadership has suppressed religious minorities as the basis for their decision.