WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - In a high-profile meeting held in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump and India's Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed a range of issues, including weapons sales and trade. However, both leaders tactfully avoided addressing the sensitive topics of human rights and minority abuses during their public remarks.
Amid growing concerns over India's human rights record, the U.S. has largely overlooked these issues in favor of strengthening trade relations and countering China's influence in the region. Experts suggest that Trump's second presidency would likely continue this trend, prioritizing strategic interests over values-based considerations. Notably, their formal remarks at the White House and a subsequent joint press conference did not broach the subject of rights issues.
Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center think-tank, emphasized that Trump's foreign policy is staunchly interests-based, leaving little room for human rights concerns abroad. While former President Joe Biden maintained strong ties with India, his administration occasionally condemned minority abuses through statements by top diplomat Antony Blinken.
Despite reports from the State Department highlighting human rights and religious freedom abuses in India, New Delhi has dismissed these as biased.
Chietigj Bajpaee, a senior research fellow at the Chatham House think-tank, noted that both Trump and Modi are perceived as strongman leaders with shared views. Kugelman added that their similar approaches to human rights further strengthen their diplomatic chemistry. Over the years, both leaders have faced criticism for their records on human rights.
Trump's disengagement with the U.N. Human Rights Council and the dismantling of U.S. diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have drawn criticism. He argues these actions advance U.S. interests, calling DEI discriminatory. Similarly, rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have criticized Modi's government for its treatment of minorities. These criticisms include the controversial religion-based citizenship law and the removal of Kashmir's special status.
Modi, however, denies any discrimination, asserting that his policies benefit all citizens through initiatives like food subsidy schemes and electrification drives.
Immigration was another key topic during the meeting. Trump has focused on tackling illegal immigration, while India advocates for U.S. visas for skilled professionals, particularly H-1B visas that Trump supports. Modi, in a press conference, emphasized the need for dialogue to combat human trafficking, a factor he attributes to illegal immigration. He also stated that India is prepared to take back any verified Indian citizens residing illegally in the U.S.
Since 2023, allegations of India's targeting of Sikh separatists have strained U.S.-India relations. Washington recently charged an ex-Indian intelligence officer in a foiled U.S. plot. Kugelman noted that given Trump's nationalist politics, it is unlikely he would intervene in halting such cases. India regards Sikh separatists, including those in the U.S., as security threats. While Trump refrained from direct comments, he highlighted U.S.-India cooperation in crime prevention, citing a recent extradition related to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
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Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Humeyra Pamuk, Don Durfee, and Raju Gopalakrishnan.
