The recent visit by US Secy of State Mr Blinken was actually not a visit but a kind of an inspection by USA on whether India is following the democratic norms or not. During the inspection besides meeting the foreign minister and other Govt officials he had a 45 minute review meeting with representatives and activists like Menaka Guruswamy a constitutional lawyer, Founder of Inter faith Foundation Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmed and representatives of Ramakrishna mission, as well as representatives of Baha’I, Sikh and Christian communities.
In this review meeting Mr (Lord) Blinken discussed issues like religious freedom in India, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and anti-conversion laws passed by some Indian States, Other current issues, including the arrest of journalists and the recent revelations of a list of journalists and activists believed to be under surveillance using Israeli Pegasus software, and offcourse the farmers’ protest.
After the inspection Lord Blinken enlightened us, proclaiming that ;
The Indian people and the American people believe in human dignity and equality of opportunity, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion and belief, We believe that all people deserve to have a voice in their government and be treated with respect no matter who they are.”
It is just hoped that Lord Blinken will follow this inspection visit to Pakistan, China, Hongkong, Mynmar and give a similar sermon to the Governments of these countries. They also need to be preached Democratic norms, particularly Pakistan which has always been your ally.
We the free people of Republic of India, who attained Freedom after lot of toil request our Hon’ble Govt, which has for many years complaining that Nehru - Gandhi family has always compromised with India’s self esteem, should show some teeth and grit to stop these kind of inspection visits by US officials or else learn to reciprocate and send Indian Foreign minister to enquire ; DO THE BLACK LIVES MATTER in USA and the status of Racial attacks against Indians.
Democracy as being practiced now is under strain everywhere and it is countries like China, Pakistan who have no regards for democratic norms have been successfuly exploiting these values of ours to their advantage. How has China been able to have made deep inroads in USA? How has Pakistan been able to spread Jehad all over? Hence, instead of bullying fellow Democratic nations, like India which have a tradition of Religious tolerance it would be prudent that USA carries out these kind of inspections in other countries.