Recently, the United States has found itself navigating delicate diplomatic waters with India, as tensions have arisen over issues surrounding democratic principles, human rights, and sovereignty. The State Department’s recent comments regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the freezing of the Congress Party’s bank accounts have ignited a diplomatic spat, further exacerbated by gratuitous accusations against the US from Russia. Additionally, journalists, including the author, have faced online harassment for asking probing questions, highlighting the precarious state of press freedom in India. Amidst these challenges, Prime Minister Modi’s inflammatory rhetoric against Muslim communities and the alarming human rights situation in India, as highlighted in the US State Department’s recent annual report, have added fuel to the fire.
The State Department’s reaffirmation of its commitment to fair and transparent legal processes in India underscores ongoing concerns about democratic backsliding and political turmoil in the country. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and urged India to ensure a fair and timely legal process for all individuals, including political leaders like Kejriwal. However, India’s response has been sharp, with the summoning of US diplomats and warnings against perceived interference in its internal affairs. The Foreign Ministry’s statement emphasized the principle of sovereignty and raised concerns about setting unhealthy precedents in diplomatic relations between democracies.
Furthermore, the online harassment targeting journalists, including the author, for asking critical questions about India’s political landscape underscores the importance of press freedom and the need to protect journalists from intimidation and threats. This troubling trend not only stifles open dialogue but also undermines the fundamental tenets of democracy.
In addition to diplomatic tensions with India, Russia’s unfounded accusations of US interference in Indian elections add another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape. The US has firmly denied these allegations and emphasized its commitment to respecting India’s sovereignty. However, the mere existence of such accusations underscores the volatile nature of international relations in the region.
Moreover, Prime Minister Modi’s inflammatory rhetoric against Muslim communities has exacerbated existing tensions and raised concerns about the protection of minority rights in India. His remarks have been widely criticized by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which has highlighted the alarming human rights situation in the country. The US State Department’s recent annual report on human rights practices in India further corroborates these concerns, citing issues such as extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on press freedom.
During a recent press briefing, I had the opportunity to question Robert S Gilchrist, a senior official from the US State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, about the situation in India. I asked about the alarming human rights violations documented in the Department’s report and inquired about the US Government’s response to these issues. Gilchrist reiterated the US Government’s commitment to upholding human rights and emphasized the importance of regular consultations with India on these matters. He underscored the need for India to uphold its human rights obligations and expressed hope for meaningful engagement between the two countries on these issues.
These recent developments underscore the complex dynamics shaping US-India relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. As both countries navigate diplomatic tensions and assert their respective interests, the promotion of democratic values, protection of press freedom, and respect for human rights remain essential pillars of the relationship. Upholding these principles is not only crucial for bilateral relations but also for fostering stability and prosperity in the region.
About the Author: Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey is the Executive Editor of South Asia Perspectives (SAP).