India Dismisses Biden’s Xenophobia Remarks

India’s Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, has vehemently refuted assertions made by US President Joe Biden, dismissing claims that India is xenophobic following comments made at a campaign fundraising event in Washington.

Biden, in his bid for reelection against Republican rival Donald Trump, raised eyebrows with remarks suggesting that India and fellow ally Japan were grappling economically due to their reluctance towards immigrants.

Addressing a media roundtable, Jaishankar countered Biden’s assertions, asserting that India’s economic prowess contradicted any suggestion of faltering. He emphasized India’s historical openness to diverse cultures and communities, highlighting its status as a melting pot of civilizations.

“India has been a very unique country… a society which has been very open… different people of different societies come to India,” Jaishankar affirmed.

India’s economic trajectory indeed paints a picture of resilience and growth, with official data revealing an annualized GDP growth of 8.4 percent in the December quarter, positioning it among the world’s fastest-growing economies.

However, critics have not refrained from levelling accusations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, particularly concerning alleged discrimination against Muslims. Recent reforms to India’s citizenship law have sparked widespread protests, with concerns raised about potential marginalization of Muslim communities.

Jaishankar rebuked these claims, challenging those who speculated about Muslim disenfranchisement, stating unequivocally that no individual has lost citizenship under the amended law.

Biden’s comments, which included grouping India and Japan alongside rivals China and Russia, were met with dismay from Tokyo, with Japanese officials expressing disappointment over the misrepresentation of their nation’s policies.

In an attempt to clarify Biden’s remarks, the White House asserted that the president’s intention was to underscore America’s identity as a nation of immigrants, rather than cast aspersions on its allies.

Biden’s remarks come amidst efforts to fortify US alliances in Asia, particularly with India and Japan, evident through official engagements including state dinners at the White House for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

As diplomatic channels work to address the fallout from Biden’s comments, the episode underscores the delicate balance in international relations, where nuanced rhetoric is essential in preserving partnerships and fostering mutual understanding.