Today, Explained Dinner and a Modi
Jun 22, 2023
Sadanand Dhume, a columnist for The Wall Street Journal, and Irfan Nooruddin, a Georgetown professor, dive into Prime Minister Modi's first state dinner in Washington. They discuss the paradox of U.S.-India relations amid concerns over India's democratic decline. The conversation highlights Modi's controversial leadership, the implications for global democracy, and historical comparisons with past leaders like Indira Gandhi. They also explore the risks of majoritarianism and the importance of maintaining democratic values in a diverse nation.
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US-India Relations
- The US renewed its relationship with Modi primarily due to India's strategic importance.
- India's large population, growing economy, and border disputes with China make it a key player in US foreign policy.
US Goals with India
- The US wants India to be a counterweight to China's growing influence in Asia.
- They desire a capable Indian defense against China and see India as a democratic model for other Asian nations.
India's Democratic Backsliding
- India's democracy has declined under Modi, particularly in press freedoms, judicial independence, and bureaucratic neutrality.
- While voting remains robust, institutions designed to check government power have weakened.