Why Modi Is Facing a Rare No-Confidence Vote
TimeJul 31, 2023
India Rejects US Report Alleging Human Rights Abuse
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The Facts
India on Thursday termed "deeply biased" a recent US government human rights report highlighting "significant" abuses, adding that it attached "no value to it."
Criticizing the US State Department's "2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: India," New Delhi said it reflected "a very poor understanding" of the country.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
India's human rights situation is a matter of deep concern, involving deaths and displacement, extrajudicial killings, disappearances, overcrowded prisons, arbitrary detentions, and delays in legal proceedings. The latest US report also highlights issues like media freedom, internet shutdowns, and government actions against critics. It points to a complex and troubling landscape that warrants attention and action.
Establishment-critical narrative
Western criticism of India's democracy, including reports on human rights abuses and labeling India as an autocratising country, is misleading, and damaging to diplomatic relations. While concerns exist about democracy's evolution in India, external rebukes often trigger irritations and unite Indians against external criticisms. The Modi government's actions, including lack of Muslim representation and hate speeches, require internal discussions and improvements rather than external judgment and pressure.
