US Media's Critical Coverage of Modi Visit Places Human Rights Front and Centre

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first state visit to the US in June 2023 was marked by a series of agreements on technology and defence, as well as a lavish state dinner hosted by President Joe Biden. However, it was also met with critical coverage by the US media, which highlighted the human rights situation in India and questioned Modi's record on democracy, religious freedom and minority rights.

The Atlantic: 'Modi's India Is Not a Democracy'

One of the most scathing articles on Modi's visit came from The Atlantic, which argued that Modi's India is not a democracy, but a "majoritarian state" that has eroded civil liberties, suppressed dissent and marginalized minorities. The article cited the 2002 Gujarat riots, the Citizenship Amendment Act, the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, the farmers' protests and the COVID-19 crisis as examples of Modi's authoritarian tendencies and failures.

The article also criticized Biden for embracing Modi despite his human rights violations, saying that "the United States has long been willing to overlook India’s democratic shortcomings for strategic reasons". It suggested that Biden should have used his leverage to pressure Modi to uphold democratic values and respect human rights, rather than "rewarding him with pomp and ceremony".

The New Yorker: 'Biden's Meeting With Modi Was a Reminder of Trade-Offs in Foreign Policy'

The New Yorker also took a critical view of Modi's visit, noting that it was a reminder of the trade-offs that Biden faces in his foreign policy. The article acknowledged that India is a key partner for the US in countering China's rise and promoting regional stability, but also pointed out that India's human rights record has deteriorated under Modi's rule.

The article quoted several experts and activists who expressed their concerns about Modi's policies and actions, such as the crackdown on civil society, the targeting of journalists and opposition leaders, the discrimination against Muslims and other minorities, and the mishandling of the pandemic. The article also noted that Modi faced protests from Indian Americans during his visit, who demanded accountability for his human rights abuses.

The article concluded that Biden's meeting with Modi was a "test case" for his commitment to democracy and human rights, and that he should have raised these issues more forcefully with his counterpart. It also warned that "if Biden does not speak up for democracy in India, he risks losing credibility as a champion of democracy elsewhere".

The New York Times: 'Modi Puts His Focus on Growth'

The New York Times gave a more balanced coverage of Modi's visit, highlighting both the achievements and the challenges of his relationship with Biden. The article reported on the various agreements that the two leaders announced on technology, defence, climate change and health cooperation, as well as their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The article also mentioned some of the criticisms that Modi faced from the US media and lawmakers, such as his handling of the pandemic, his treatment of minorities and his suppression of dissent. However, it also noted that Modi tried to deflect these questions by focusing on his economic agenda and his democratic credentials.

The article quoted Modi as saying that India and the US have democracy in their DNA, and that they are natural partners in pursuing growth and development. The article also quoted Biden as praising Modi for his leadership and friendship, and expressing confidence in their partnership.

Conclusion

Modi's visit to the US was a significant event for both countries, as they sought to strengthen their strategic ties and address common challenges. However, it was also an opportunity for the US media to scrutinize Modi's record on human rights and democracy, and to question Biden's approach to dealing with him. While some media outlets were more critical than others, they all placed human rights front and centre in their coverage of Modi's visit.

The Washington Post: 'Biden and Modi Celebrate a New Chapter in US-India Relations'

The Washington Post gave a more positive coverage of Modi's visit, emphasizing the achievements and the potential of the US-India partnership. The article reported on the warm reception that Modi received from Biden and the US Congress, as well as the enthusiastic support from the Indian American community.

The article also highlighted the various areas of cooperation that the two leaders agreed to enhance, such as high-tech defence manufacturing, sustainability and climate change, health security and pandemic response, and regional security and stability. The article quoted Biden as saying that the US-India relationship is "a defining partnership of the 21st century".

The article also noted some of the challenges that the two countries face, such as balancing their ties with Russia and China, addressing human rights concerns, and resolving trade disputes. However, it also suggested that the two countries have more common interests than differences, and that they share a vision of a democratic and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

The Financial Times: 'Biden and Modi Commit to a 'Defining' Relationship Between Democracies'

The Financial Times also gave a favorable coverage of Modi's visit, focusing on the strategic and economic aspects of the US-India relationship. The article noted that the two leaders signed a deal to jointly produce a GE fighter jet engine in India, which would boost India's defence capabilities and create jobs in both countries.

The article also reported on the efforts by the two countries to shore up supply chains for microchips and other key technologies, as well as to collaborate on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The article quoted Modi as saying that these initiatives would "create new opportunities for innovation and progress".

The article also mentioned some of the areas where the two countries have divergent views, such as human rights, trade barriers, and intellectual property rights. However, it also pointed out that the two countries have made progress on some of these issues, such as agreeing to resume trade talks and to waive patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines.

Modi's visit to the US was a historic moment for both countries, as they reaffirmed their commitment to a 'defining' relationship between democracies. The visit showcased the achievements and the potential of their partnership on various fields, such as technology, defence, climate change, health and security. The visit also addressed some of the challenges and differences that they face, such as human rights, trade disputes, and balancing their ties with Russia and China. The visit demonstrated that the US and India have more to gain from working together than working apart.

Source: 

(1) US Media's Critical Coverage of Modi Visit Places Human Rights Front .... https://thewire.in/world/how-the-us-media-covered-modis-reception-by-biden-amidst-criticism-on-human-rights.

(2) CPJ urges US to press India’s Modi on media freedom during visit. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/15/watchdog-calls-on-us-to-press-modi-on-media-freedom-during-visit.

(3) Here is how US media covered Modi's maiden state visit. https://www.rediff.com/news/report/here-is-how-us-media-covered-modis-maiden-state-visit/20230623.htm.

(4) PM Modi’s US visit: What the likes of Republic TV & Zee ... - Newslaundry. https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/09/27/pm-modis-us-visit-what-the-likes-of-republic-tv-zee-news-wont-tell-you.

(5) Modi's US visit: What's on the agenda? - The Week. https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2023/06/13/modis-us-visit-whats-on-the-agenda.html.