New Delhi: Responding to US President Joe Biden's recent characterization of several countries, including India, as "xenophobic" due to their purported reluctance to welcome immigrants, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar firmly dismissed the assertions today. Jaishankar emphasized India's historical openness and receptiveness to people from diverse backgrounds.
Contradicting President Biden's claims of India's economic stagnation, Jaishankar underscored, "Our economy is not faltering."
He said India has consistently maintained its position as the fastest-growing major economy globally in recent years, culminating in its ascent to the rank of the fifth-largest global economy last year. Moreover, India is poised to further climb to the position of the world's third-largest economy by the decade's end.
During a fundraising event in Washington on May 2, President Biden said there was a correlation between economic prosperity and immigration policies. He cited examples of China, Japan, Russia, and India. Rejecting the notion of xenophobia attributed to India, Jaishankar reiterated India's historical inclusivity, referencing initiatives like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as evidence of India's welcoming stance towards those in need.
Jaishankar criticizes section of Western media
Furthermore, Jaishankar criticized a section of the Western media for what he perceived as biased coverage, exemplifying ongoing protests at US universities, particularly concerning the anti-Israel demonstrations. He characterized this media narrative as "ideological" and lacking objectivity, accusing it of attempting to influence the global narrative and targeting India among others.
Jaishankar spoke about the ongoing anti-Israel protests in American university campuses and criticised a section of the Western media for its biased coverage, suggesting that it is "very ideological" and not at all "objective" reporting. He said that this section of media wants to shape the global narrative and has been targeting India as well.
In response to potential diplomatic repercussions stemming from President Biden's remarks, the White House issued a clarification, affirming the President's "respect" for allies and partners. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre emphasized Biden's commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with countries like India and Japan over the past three years, highlighting his administration's actions as evidence of this commitment.
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