The White House lauded India’s vibrant democracy, emphasizing the significance of citizens exercising their right to vote and having a voice in shaping their government’s future. National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby highlighted India’s ongoing elections, involving over 969 million voters and thousands of candidates representing numerous political parties. He emphasized the strengthening relationship between India and the United States under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly during the Biden administration.
Kirby underscored the close collaboration between the two nations on various fronts, including critical emerging technologies and regional initiatives like the Indo-Pacific quad. He expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and dismissed suggestions of xenophobia in India and Japan, clarifying that President Biden was making a broader point about the inclusivity and participatory nature of democracy.