Why America does not fully trust Modi

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is about to embark on his fourth visit to the US in the last two years, American lawmakers have been seen sharply criticising India's human rights record.

In a speech in New Delhi on May 31, US senator Benjamin L Cardin (Democrat-Maryland), the ranking minority-party member of the senate foreign relations committee, called on India to "do better" to address issues of violence against women, government corruption, extra judicial killings, human trafficking and outdated anti-conversion laws that are still in use.

"A country must respond to these challenges," he said.

Modi faced similar criticisms and faced protest demonstrations from groups, every time he has touched down on the American soil.

However, these strident criticisms from prominent lawmakers on the eve of Modi's address to a joint session of Congress reveals a deep-seated reservation by many in Washington of a leader who once was denied entry into the country based on his human rights record.

At a Congressional hearing held a week ago in Washington, Bob Corker (chairman of the foreign relations committee R-Tenn) and Timothy M Kaine (Democrat-Virginia) questioned state department officials on India's human rights issues, including its crackdown on non-governmental organisations receiving foreign funding such as Greenpeace and Ford Foundation, rising intolerance and India's recent decision to deny visas to the members of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom who were planning to travel to India.

Also read - Ahead of Modi's visit, where India-US ties stand as of now

Undoubtedly, the Indian-American community as a whole would like to see the bilateral relations between the US and India strengthened and the progress achieved in the last decade or so to be consolidated between these two democracies.

However, a strategic alliance is a partnership that would require trust and confidence in each other for a long term value creating relationship. There is no doubt that both nations need each other in the new world order, and the question is whether these two countries are at a point where they are ready to move forward with such a commitment.

Therefore, it is pertinent to analyse the upcoming visit of the prime minister from that vantage point. If the objective of the collaborative relationship is to achieve success for both nations, how can one advance that notion while justifying the denial of visas to a US government body that monitors the core tenets of both of these democracies: freedom and justice? The appropriate action ought to be in assisting each other to achieve these goals and together building a stronger relationship.

Also read - No Indian visa to US religious freedom team, is Modi afraid?

For those who are advocating more reliable protection of religious freedom got a boost recently when the Congress upgraded the "Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act" giving administration and the state department new political tools in monitoring and creating watch lists.

The legislation has also upgraded the office to ambassador-at-large, who will be directly reporting to the secretary of state. It includes a provision for directing the president to focus sanctions on individuals who carry out or order religious restrictions.

The impact of these rules will eventually be felt across the board, while nations draft agreements ranging from trade to environment and defence purchases.

When US President Obama was in New Delhi for the 2015 Republic Day parade, his speech, to a great discomfiture of Modi, was a parting shot directed at his government to modify its behaviour in regards to respecting the pluralistic legacy of the modern India.

Also read - It took Obama to point out Modi is not doing enough for minorities

He listed the relevant articles in the Indian Constitution to make his case. Despite the public posture, one could detect a chasm between these two leaders who seem to think and view things from different perspectives.

I have been told that at a recent dinner party in Washington, a former official was standing in line to greet President Obama. While shaking hands, the official congratulated the president for the bold statement he has made in New Delhi.

First, he smiled and let go his hands and ready to greet the next guest, but on second thought, leaned forward, tapped his shoulder, and said, "I meant every word of it." That says a volume of the thinking in Washington, especially with this White House.

Also read - America sadly doesn't see India as a political equal

However, US is dealing with a different India today that has gained stature as a growing economic power and a global player that has to be respected and may even be courted.

For the US, the changing dynamics in Asia necessitates new alliances and reliable partnerships. A rising China has created new challenges for the US in that part of the world and past agreements like the India-US civil nuclear deal points to a strategy of exploring ways to sustain their global engagement capability.

Also, a four-million-strong Indian immigrant community in US has become vocal supporters of close collaboration between these two countries, often lobbying with their Senators and Congressmen.

Also read - Why Modi and NRIs respect each other

Despite all these natural advantages, India seemed to have put in a lot of effort in convincing the US authorities for this "state visit" and the upcoming appearance before the joint session of the Congress.

There are unconfirmed reports of a quid pro quo with regards to major defence purchases preceded by a veiled warning of India taking its defence purchases elsewhere if the same level of respect is not accorded to Modi as it was with Dr Manmohan Singh, his predecessor.

It is widely known that the sound of money garners a lot of mileage in Washington just as in any other capital around the world. Apparently, Modi is getting his requital by gaining an opportunity to bloviate before those who once denied him a simple entry visa to the country.

Also read - America can't be trusted: Lessons from Ashton Carter’s India visit

However, if India has to gain genuine respect and to be able to operate from a position of strength and moral clarity, it has to start dealing with some of the issues the lawmakers have raised.

Last two years have witnessed a growing intolerance in the country, with attacks on places of worship of minorities, the murder of secular advocates and harassment of liberal thinkers.

People are afraid that even their dietary habits like eating beef could cost them their lives. The Union HRD ministry has been converted to become a vehicle to promote the "Hindutva" ideology across campuses by shutting down Dalit student organisations and applying sedition charges on students for mere sloganeering.

Also read - What can a few American bigots possibly teach India about religious freedom?

BJP and its followers seemed to believe that they have a monopoly in defining what constitutes nationalism, and it has become a cause of confusion and conflict in many university campuses.

History teaches us that ultra nationalism is a sentiment of superiority and aggression towards others or other countries. It is intrinsically connected to war and imperialism.

Therefore, India as a pluralistic nation will be treading on dangerous waters with the ongoing nationalist campaign, and the PM has a great responsibility to set the right tone for the country.

Indian diaspora in US is much more a diverse community representing different regions, languages, cultures and faiths than what it is given credit for.

According to latest statistics, 51 per cent of the diaspora consists of Hindus and the rest includes Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and other faiths.

Indian diaspora is primarily taking the shape of Hindu diaspora due to the cultural identity, and most of the Indians including those who belong to other religions accept it as a practical matter.

However, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS branches outside of India) is becoming increasingly assertive in demanding unflinching patriotism and preservation of Hindu culture and continuing with their efforts to present a monolithic view of the Indian diaspora to the American public.

Also read - How dare you abuse Om: Modi needs to teach Hinduphobes a hard lesson

It is alleged that many of the diaspora organisations are raising money under the cover of "charity" and "development" to support the RSS and its affiliates to wage violence against religious minorities in India.

There is little doubt that the RSS cadre is playing a prominent role in many of the Modi's visits around the globe, particularly wherever there is a significant Indian community.

It is only laudable that the diaspora is enthusiastic and heartwarming towards any visit of a prime minister from their motherland. However, when that community is used as political pawns by turning them into a weapon against those who want to express their grievances; it not only defeats the purpose and good will but rather pits one group against the other and imports the same level of polarisation and divisions to the country of their adoption.

The recent attempt by Sangh organisations to reserve all 25 grounds on the Capitol Hill on the day of Modi's visit to address the joint session of Congress is a case in point.

Also read - How Modi, RSS are turning the Indian abroad into a Hindutva bigot

That "clever" and calculated manoeuver made it almost impossible for any other groups to gather near the venue and air their dissenting point of view that is protected under the US Constitution.

It is quite obvious to any independent observer that the objective of such action is to stifle criticism and banish any dissent which is contrary to the spirit of democracy, and it is quite appalling to see it happening right here in US.

It is time for the prime minister to be more assertive in addressing these concerns at home and abroad and speak out forcefully when human rights violations occur in India.

Unless he can align the actions of the radical elements of his party in line with his lofty pronouncements abroad, the human rights issue will continue to cast a shadow on his trips abroad, especially to US.

Alfred Whitney Griswold who once said the following: "Books won't stay banned. They won't burn. Ideas won't go to jail. In the long run of history, the censor, and the inquisitor have always lost. The only weapon against bad ideas is better ideas".

Let freedom reign.