The White House has announced that US President Joe Biden will host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a state visit on June 22, 2023, in a move to deepen ties with the world’s largest democracy. Despite rising concerns about human rights and democratic backsliding under Modi’s Hindu nationalist leadership, the invitation marks a significant boost for the US-India partnership and their “shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific”.
The visit is the highest level of diplomatic reception and will be the first state visit by Modi to the US. The Indian Prime Minister visited Biden at the White House in 2021 as part of the Quad summit, which brought together the US, Australia, Japan, and India. The upcoming state visit will include a state dinner, and India is understood to have sought the highest level of protocol for a head of state.
Washington has long sought to boost India as a counterinfluence to an increasingly assertive China in Asia, and New Delhi, worried about Beijing’s buildup on the other side of its border, has also sought to build ties. The two countries are expected to discuss opportunities to expand and consolidate the Quad engagement, a strategic dialogue aimed at promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
However, India’s stance on the Ukrainian crisis has emerged as a stumbling block in the partnership. India, a longtime military ally of Russia, has called for an end to hostilities, but has never condemned the Russian invasion. The US and its allies have repeatedly urged Russia to de-escalate the situation and respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The invitation to Modi comes amid mounting criticism of his government’s record on human rights and democratic freedoms. Modi’s government has been widely accused by political opponents and rights groups of seeking to target and silence critics. The issue of respect for freedoms and rights is expected to be discussed during the visit. The White House spokeswoman, Karine Jean-Pierre, said that Biden “never shies away” from having that conversation with leaders, and that the US regularly engages with Indian government officials at senior levels on human rights concerns, including freedom of religion or belief.
The state visit will strengthen the two countries’ strategic partnership, including in defense, clean energy, and space. Education, the climate crisis, development, and health security are also on the agenda. The visit comes after French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol were both hosted for state visits, with the two allies issuing stern warnings to North Korea over nuclear weapons.
In conclusion, the US-India state visit marks a significant step in strengthening the partnership between the two countries. Despite concerns about human rights and India’s stance on the Ukrainian crisis, the visit is an opportunity for both countries to discuss key issues and build collaboration on a range of strategic and economic matters. The state visit will also provide an opportunity for Biden to raise concerns about human rights and democratic freedoms with Modi.