Observers see it a snub to Rahul's anti-India smear campaign
The White House said Monday that India is a vibrant democracy that anyone who visits India can see for themselves, appearing to dismiss concerns about the health of democracy in India in the backdrop of aggressive anti-India lobbying in the recent years. The political observer take it as any snub to latest smear campaign indulged by few Indian leaders in the recent months
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States later this month.
“India is a thriving democracy.” Anyone who happens to visit New Delhi can witness this for themselves. And, of course, the strength and health of democratic institutions will be discussed,” John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House's National Security Council, told reporters at a news conference in Washington, DC.
“Look, we never back down. And you can do it with your friends. That's something you're supposed to do with your friends. You are never afraid to express any concerns we may have with anyone in the world. But, in response to a question, Kirby stated, “This (State) visit is really about advancing what is now and what we hope will be a deeper, stronger partnership and friendship going forward.”
Kirby stated that India is a strong partner with the US on many levels.
“As you saw in Shangri-La, Secretary (of Defence) Lloyd Austin announced some additional defence cooperation with India that we're going to pursue.” Of course, our two countries have a great deal of economic trade. “India is a member of the Pacific Quad and an important friend and partner in Indo-Pacific security,” he said.
“I could go on and on…” There are numerous reasons why India is important, not just bilaterally between our two countries, but also multilaterally on numerous levels. And the president is looking forward to having Prime Minister Modi here to discuss all of those issues, as well as to advance and deepen that partnership and friendship,” Kirby said.
