Jaishankar‘s statement on human rights followed after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US is keeping a close eye on recent “concerning events in India, including a resurgence in human rights violations by some government, police, and prison authorities.”Â
Undeterred and undaunted by American pressure, India responds to Washington on several complex subjects, including the prospect of sanctions and its fight for human rights, while claiming that connections between the two countries are strong enough to allow disagreements.Â
Jaishankar’s statement on human rights followed after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US is keeping a close eye on recent “concerning events in India, including a resurgence in human rights violations by some government, police, and prison authorities.”Â
Mr. Blinken was accompanied by Mr. Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Mr. Jaishankar did not reply to the remarks at the press conference but did so later on Wednesday.Â
Dr. S Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, speaking at a joint press conference following the 2+2 discussion, responded strongly to the United States of America’s (US) criticism of India over alleged “human rights violations,” adding that New Delhi is concerned about human rights in the US.Â
“As a result, we take up human rights issues when they occur in this country, particularly when they affect our community.” And, in fact, we just had a case yesterday that demonstrates where we stand on the issue,” he said.Â
The External Affairs Minister was alluding to a hate crime in the United States two days ago when two Sikh men were assaulted and robbed in a New York neighborhood.Â
The number of incidences has increased by “200% in recent years,” as per NY State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Punjabi American elected to a state office in the United States.Â
 “Look, people have the right to have their opinions about us. But we have the same right to have opinions about their views and interests and the lobbies and vote banks that drive them. So, anytime there’s a debate, I assure you that we won’t be hesitant about speaking up,” the minister stated.Â
 Human rights were not discussed during the present meeting, according to Jaishankar, although they have been addressed in the past. Â
“On the subject of human rights, no, we did not address human rights at this discussion.” “This discussion was mostly focused on political-military concerns,” Jaishankar told reporters. He wrapped off his visit to the United States, which was intended to attend the India-US 2+2 ministerial conversation.Â
 “It’s a topic that’s come up in the past. When Secretary Blinken visited India, it came up. “I believe if you recall the subsequent press conferences, I was quite forthright about the fact that we had addressed it and stated what I had to say,” he added.
Published By: Aman Gupta
Edited By: Vanshika SahuÂ
