Washington: Time magazine stated that the emergence of Narendra Modi, Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate, may cause more tension between India and US. The problem in between these two countries arises after the arrest of Indian Diplomat Devyani Khobragade.
Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade has been charged with visa fraud involving her maid by US authorities. She has returned to India after being granted diplomatic immunity, the influential magazine noted in its upcoming January 27 issue.
Michael Crowley wrote, “But don’t expect the relationship to rebound quickly.” He also suggested, “In fact, the atmosphere could soon become even more tense – over a far more prominent Indian also embroiled in a visa controversy.”
He also suggested that BJP “holds the edge” in the upcoming General Election by May, he said that “If the BJP prevails, Modi will be India’s next Prime Minister.”
He also noted, “Yet he is persona non grata in the US because of his alleged role in a horrific episode of sectarian violence in February 2002.”
Time noted, “Modi’s critics say he condoned or even encouraged the violence – accusations he stoutly denies and for which no Indian court has found him responsible.”
The State Department revoked Modi’s visa under an American law that bars a foreign official who “was responsible for or directly carried out … particularly severe violations of religious freedom,” Crowley recalled in 2005.
He asked, “When Modi had no national profile, the restriction was inconsequential. But can Washington blacklist the leader of India?”
He also noted that US policymakers are divided. “A resolution introduced in November in the US Congress calls on the State Department to continue denying Modi entry. It has attracted 43 congressional co-sponsors, including two Muslims.”
Crowley wrote, “Realists, and US business leaders wishing to capitalise on Modi’s openness to foreign investment, say his character should only be a footnote to Washington’s wider relations with New Delhi.”
He suggested, “Should Modi win, the Obama Administration will be pressured by many at home and abroad to condemn his past and prevent him from visiting the US. But (President Barack) Obama has tended to subordinate principle to the national interest.”
Noting that “Over the years, the US has done business with plenty of unsavoury leaders, in countries far less friendly than India,” Time said, “By revoking Modi’s visa, the US government has made clear its view of him and the Gujarat rampage.”
It said, “But Washington’s ties with New Delhi are too important to be confined through that prism if Modi becomes PM.”
It also suggested, “Both countries need to step forward and not allow Modi’s past to push them back.”
Bureau Report
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