Fears of Abandonment: Australia, Biden and Cancelling the Quad Visit
CounterPunchNov 29, 2022
The Facts
Though he has visited the US six times since assuming office in 2014, Indian PM Narendra Modi will make his first "state visit" to Washington from June 21-23, where he will attend a state dinner with US Pres. Joe Biden, hold talks with Biden and VP Kamala Harris, and celebrate International Yoga Day at the UN in New York.
Before leaving Tuesday, Modi tweeted, "We seek to deepen India-USA ties in key sectors like trade, commerce, innovation, technology and other such areas." Military ties are also expected to be on the agenda.
The Spin
Left narrative
As Biden condemns recent attacks on civil rights in his own country, it's time for him to push Modi to do the same in his. Modi's ruling party has persecuted religious minorities, opposition activists, and journalists — acts that are wholly antithetical to American values. If Washington wishes to strengthen economic and military relations with New Delhi, it should ensure that they are built on mutual values of respect and dignity for all citizens.
Right narrative
Despite empty accusations from opposition leaders, Modi grabbed the world by the reins in 2014 and has only grown more popular every year since. From bolstering the economy at home to paying homage to the Indian diaspora throughout the developed world, he has gained unprecedented respect from presidents and prime ministers to doctors and scientists alike. Prior to Modi's rule, Indians longed for a global figure to call their own, and Modi has become and continues to prove to be that man.
