'No space for discrimination': India's leader claims government doesn't have a human rights problem

WASHINGTON − India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the bond between India and the United States "a defining partnership of this century" during his second time addressing Congress as prime minister.

Modi touted India's economy, sustainability efforts, healthcare and technological advancements. He told lawmakers that when India and the U.S. work together, it helps the world.

"A lot has changed since I came here seven summers ago but a lot has remained the same− like our commitment to deepen the friendship between India and the United States," he said. Modi previously addressed a joint session of Congress in 2016.

The prime minister entered the chamber to chants of "Modi" from those attending the speech in the House balconies which continued throughout his speech. He received a standing ovation from both sides of the chamber as he entered.

Modi, in the U.S. on a state visit, received the loudest applause when referencing defense, saying the United States "has become one of our most important defense partners" to India.

"When I was here in 2016, I had said that 'our relationship is primed for a momentous future,'" he said. "That future is today." Modi quoted poet Amanda Gorman and read a poem he wrote himself. He closed his address with "long live India-U.S. friendship."

Earlier in the day, Modi used a news conference with President Joe Biden earlier in the day to push back on criticisms his government has received on its human rights record.

"There is absolutely no space for discrimination," Modi said, standing alongside Biden at the White House.

His comments came in response to a Wall Street Journal reporter's question. It was the first time Modi had fielded a question in a news conference in almost a decade − since he came to power in 2014.

"India's democratic values (are such that) there's absolutely no discrimination neither on the basis of caste, creed, age or any kind of geographic location," he said.

He reiterated similar comments to Congress telling lawmakers, "India's vision is not just of development which benefits women− it is of women-led development where women lead the journey of progress."

The Biden administration has been under pressure from advocacy groups and Democrats to raise the issue of human rights with India's Hindu nationalist leader after it accused Modi's government of participating in unlawful and arbitrary killings, restricting freedom of speech and allowing violence against religious, racial and ethnic minorities. He was once denied a visa to the U.S. on religious freedom grounds.

In brief remarks, Biden said that press freedom and religious freedom "are vital to the success" of both nations. He said he wanted the relationship to be “grounded on democracy, human rights, freedom and the rule of law.”

He also called the U.S.-India relationship “among the most consequential in the world" and said there was an "unlimited potential" for a partnership that spans manufacturing, technology, science and defense.

Modi did not mention human rights in his prepared remarks at the White House.

Biden responded with a "No" after a reporter asked him if calling Chinese leader Xi Jinping a dictator undermined recent tentative progress in that relationship following Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's visit to Beijing.

The use of the term has angered China.

“The remarks seriously contradict basic facts, seriously violate diplomatic etiquette and seriously infringes on China’s political dignity,” China's foreign ministry said Thursday.

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Modi has visited the U.S. five times since becoming prime minister in 2019.

But this is Modi's first U.S. visit with the full diplomatic status of a state visit, which entails a meeting with Biden, a separate meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris, a state dinner and addressing a joint session of Congress.

It comes as the Biden administration has sought to court India as a trade and military partner to counter China's growing military, technological and diplomatic assertiveness on the world stage.

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The two leaders announced that U.S.-based General Electric will partner with India-based Hindustan Aeronautics to produce jet engines for Indian aircraft in India and the sale of U.S.-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones.

The Biden administration also unveiled plans aimed at bolstering India’s semiconductor industry. And on the space front, India will sign on to the Artemis Accords, a blueprint for space exploration cooperation among nations participating in NASA’s lunar exploration plans. NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization also agreed to make a joint mission to the International Space Station next year.

Contributing: Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: India's Narendra Modi pushes back on human rights claims