Last week, the Biden administration hosted a state dinner to honour Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi – a special occasion reserved to honour special allies and to strengthen the friendship of nations.
Beyond the fancy decor and rich cuisine of a state visit, one hopes that the Biden administration found the willpower to discuss the US State Department’s recent International Religious Freedom report, which recommended that India be designated a “country of particular concern” for religious and caste discrimination against minorities including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Dalits.
The report further criticises India for “engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom”.