A top American diplomat in New Delhi representing the Joe Biden-led administration has allayed fears over democracy in India, speaking at an event organized by top American think-tank Council on Foreign Relations. As per a report, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti expressed his confidence about the future of democracy in India, adding that India will continue to be a lively democracy with free and fair elections over the next ten years.
Garcetti said India does some things better than the US—some voters' commitment to going on treks for days to cast their ballot, and others watch out for cash-for-votes during elections. While there are flaws and challenges to democracy in India, the US is extensively engaged with India on this issue and does raise concerns, but it does not focus only on criticism, he said.
He said the US-India ties were too important for Americans. He pointed out that Indians have a very positive perception about Americans, probably more than Americans' perception about themselves. Stressing on the importance of the relationship, Garcetti said it was important for the US as India has powerful state governments, and both shared the commitment to democracy and values. He noted that while challenges to human rights have been a factor in the past.
US Ambassador Garcetti: Biden Administration Content with India's Accountability in Pannun Case
According to US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, the US is "satisfied" with the accountability India has been held to regarding claims that its personnel were complicit in a conspiracy to assassinate a Sikh separatist on US soil.
US federal prosecutors accused Indian national Nikhil Gupta of collaborating with an Indian government official in the thwarted assassination attempt on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in November of last year.
Pannun, who possesses dual Canadian and US citizenship, is wanted in India on terror-related allegations. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, an anti-terror law, has led the Union Home Ministry to identify him as a terrorist.
"When I was referring to a relationship that might have bumps along the road, this would be potentially the first big fight in a relationship," Garcetti said in answer to a query on Thursday at an event hosted by the prestigious American think tank, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).
"And so far, knock on wood, I would say the administration is satisfied with the accountability that we've demanded on this, because this is a red line for America, for our citizens," he stated.
He claimed that the criminal matter was still pending.
A formal accusation has been filed. And accountability is required if there is any link between that and State actors. Not only do we anticipate it from our end, but we also anticipate India to have that accountability," he said.
"So, there's been a commission of inquiry that India has brought together and that we expect, while we do the criminal case that is about American justice, that there need to be consequences and shared information," he explained.
"I am happy with what they have done thus far, which is one of the hardest things an ambassador in diplomacy can accomplish. Though there are still a lot of things to be taken, I believe the administration is," Garcetti stated.
During the Obama Administration, Garcetti participated in a conversation with Michael Froman, the former US Trade Representative.
Froman stated that everyone is reassuming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon get re-elected.
Answering a query regarding apprehensions expressed in some US quarters regarding human rights situation in India, Garcetti said this is not America's responsibility.
America has no business trying to fix India. In addition to advancing our interests and reflecting our ideals, it is America's duty to interact with India, according to Garcetti.
It's really strong, I can assure you. In my opinion, those on the outside claim that they seek a strategic alliance with India, which is why they ignore matters pertaining to human rights and other concerns. In actuality, it's untrue," he declared.
The US and India always talk about reports pertaining to religious freedom or human rights.
For example, there has been violence in the Indian state of Manipur, where two distinct ethnic groups are fighting each other. In my second or third month in India, I received an inquiry asking, "What are your thoughts on the violence there?
"I responded by saying that, first of all, our hearts break when we witness suffering as human beings, in light of the horrific images we saw of women being dragged through the streets, people being shot and killed, and churches and temples being burned," Garcetti added.
On the second point, he stated that India should handle the resolution of this matter.
Point three is that America is available to support and assist in any manner upon request. He remarked, "It wasn't even the government in power."
The story that goes something like this: India has better human rights than we have. Probably hasn't gotten around to you. But, he asserted, they are in terms of transgender rights.
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