According to The Economic Times on Saturday, Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, dismissed U.S. President Joe Biden’s comment that “xenophobia” was crippling the South Asian country’s economic growth.
Jaishankar, at a round table discussion hosted by the newspaper on Friday had reportedly said that India’s economy “is not faltering” and that historically, India had always been a society that is very open.
Earlier this week, President Biden said the “xenophobia” in China, Japan and India was delaying growth in the respective economies. He also argued that migration has been good for the American economy.
Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund –IMF had predicted last month that growth in Asia’s three largest economies would hold back in 2024 from the previous year.
What They’re Saying:
The Indian foreign minister, Jaishankar had while referring to a new law that permits immigrants who have fled persecution, from neighbouring countries to become citizens, been quoted to have said:
“That’s why we have the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act), which is to open up doors for people who are in trouble … I think we should be open to people who have the need to come to India, who have a claim to come to India.”
Why It Matters:
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s rebuttal of the ‘xenophobia’ tag leveled by U.S. President Joe Biden against India shows the country’s reluctance to be associated with accusations of promoting exclusivity despite facing economic challenges.
Also, Jaishankar’s rebuttal signals to other world leaders that the country will not be defined by ‘baseless’ accusations but will instead, forge its own path toward economic growth and social amity.
Bottom Line:
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s stance is reaffirming India’s role as a key global player that champions for dialogue and cooperation where needed.
