'Xi Jinping Dictator' Biden, Warmly Welcomes Indian Prime Minister as "Great Nation, Great Friend" (Summary)

U.S. President Joe Biden gave a grand welcome to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit and agreed to accelerate bilateral cooperation across various fields, including advanced technology and defense. Previously, Biden had criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping as a 'dictator,' but he showed Modi, who faces criticism for suppressing democracy and human rights, an almost 'Churchill-level' warm reception. This is widely seen as an open courtship of India amid escalating tensions with China and Russia.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Biden warmly welcomes Modi: "Our two countries are stronger and closer than ever"

On the 22nd (local time), President Biden and Prime Minister Modi held an official welcoming ceremony at the White House, followed by a summit meeting. In a subsequent press conference, Biden described the bilateral relationship as "one of the most important partnerships in the world," stating it is "stronger, closer, and more dynamic than ever in history." The U.S. and India plan to strengthen cooperation in areas such as telecommunications, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, they agreed to jointly produce advanced drones and fighter jet engines and to collaborate on core technologies. India will also join the Artemis Accords, a U.S.-led manned lunar landing project. In cooperation with NASA, they plan to conduct joint missions to the International Space Station in 2024.

Prime Minister Modi said the discussions at this summit "opened a new chapter" in bilateral relations, adding, "As trusted partners, we have agreed to build reliable, secure, and resilient global supply chains and value chains." He mentioned the agreement for General Electric, an American company, to produce fighter jet engines in India, emphasizing that "close defense cooperation between the two countries symbolizes mutual trust and shared strategic priorities." The two leaders also discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in advanced technology and defense, as well as the activities of the Quad, the U.S.-India-Japan-Australia security dialogue aimed at China.

Modi, who took office as prime minister in 2014, has visited the U.S. five times before but this is his first state visit. The Biden administration's grand welcome marks a significant shift in tone compared to previous visits. Biden described Modi as "two great nations, two great friends, two great powers that can define the direction of the 21st century." In addition to a private dinner the previous day, a state dinner was held that evening, dedicating two consecutive evenings to Modi.

Moreover, Modi delivered his second joint address to the U.S. Congress, the first being in 2016. Only a few foreign leaders, including former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, have addressed joint sessions of Congress more than once. This has led foreign media to analyze that Modi, once almost a persona non grata in the U.S., was effectively rolled out the red carpet with 'Churchill-level' treatment.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

'Churchill-level' hospitality: U.S. courting India amid China and Russia concerns

The Biden administration's hospitality, seen as courting, is interpreted as a move to counter China. Economically, Modi's state visit aligns with one of Biden's key economic agendas, 'friend-shoring.' The U.S. aims to reduce supply chain dependence on China and naturally places importance on India, one of the fastest-growing countries globally. Last week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said at a summit, "Our goal is to diversify our critical supply chains by expanding trade with various countries," and described India as "our trusted trading partner."

Additionally, India is a key country in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy from a security perspective. It is also a member of the Quad, a U.S.-led coalition encircling China. India, mindful of its competition with rapidly growing China, has gradually responded to U.S. overtures. A senior Biden administration official said in a recent phone briefing that the strategic environment facing the Indo-Pacific challenges (China's threat) has moved India closer to the U.S. Recently, China has sought military cooperation with Pakistan, India's archrival, to counter India, a Quad member.

Furthermore, the U.S. needs to court India, which has increased imports of Russian energy. Despite multiple U.S. requests for sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, India continues to maintain military and economic relations with Russia. India also did not support the U.N. resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Although Modi did not mention Russia in his congressional speech, he received a standing ovation after urging respect for U.N. sovereignty principles related to the Ukraine crisis. In a prior press conference, he emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy, stating, "We are ready to contribute in any way possible to restore peace."

The New York Times (NYT) reported, "Modi's U.S. visit is an opportunity for President Biden to secure an economic partner," adding, "The Biden administration is working to strengthen ties with India amid rising tensions with China and the Russia-Ukraine war pressuring international trade." The Washington Post (WP) described Modi's visit as "a significant signal to China." Politico analyzed, "India has now become the most populous country in the world, and its rapidly growing economy is attracting foreign investment," adding, "The U.S. feels compelled to continue courting India from across the globe." The outlet also noted, "The Biden administration believes India's biggest role is to counter China."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Criticism for ignoring India's human rights issues while calling Xi a dictator

However, some voices criticize the Biden administration for treating Modi with Churchill-level hospitality. Analysts argue that the Biden administration, which claims to be a 'defender of democracy,' is turning a blind eye to the clear increase in persecution of Muslim minorities, human rights abuses, and restrictions on press freedom in India since Modi took office.

Daniel Markey, a senior fellow at the U.S. Institute of Peace and former State Department official, told the WP, "It is important for the U.S. to develop closer ties with India," but criticized Biden's personal praise of Modi. He said, "President Biden has always raised human rights and democracy in meetings with foreign leaders," adding, "This is a much greater dissonance with the Biden administration, which says democracy should be at the core of foreign policy." Over 70 Democratic members of Congress previously sent an open letter to Biden highlighting these concerns. Some lawmakers boycotted Modi's congressional speech.

In contrast, Modi appeared to respond to these criticisms during a press conference, asserting, "Democracy is in our DNA." He emphasized, "The societies and institutions of India and the U.S. are based on democratic values," adding, "Both countries take pride in diversity. We both believe in the fundamental principle of 'for the benefit of all, for the welfare of all.'" Local media reported that this was Modi's first press conference in nine years since taking office and that the number of journalists allowed to ask questions was limited to one American and one Indian reporter, fewer than usual.

Meanwhile, President Biden publicly addressed his earlier remarks calling President Xi a dictator for the first time. In the press conference, when asked if calling Xi a dictator weakened or complicated progress in U.S.-China relations, he firmly replied, "No." He said he does not believe his remarks have led to any consequences and added, "I expect to meet with President Xi in the near future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.