Barack Obama: Row in India over former US president’s remarks on Muslim rights

BBC Online :
Leaders of India’s governing party have criticised former US President Barack Obama for his recent remarks on Muslims in the country.

Mr Obama said in an interview last week that India may “start pulling apart” if the rights of minorities weren’t protected.

He was responding to a question on how President Joe Biden should engage with “illiberal democrats”.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in the US on a state visit at the time.

The three-day visit was marked by a ceremonial welcome to the White House, a lavish state dinner and the signing of several crucial deals. Mr Modi also addressed a joint session of the US Congress.

Mr Obama’s remarks, made in an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour which was aired before the Congress address, were widely reported in India.

Ms Amanpour referred to the “threat to democracy” from so-called “illiberal democrats” before referring to Mr Modi as one.

“How should a president engage with those kinds of leaders, either in the naming of them or in the dealing with them?” she asked.

Mr Obama said it was “complicated”, before referring to his own experience dealing with allies who may not have run “ideally democratic governments” but with whom relations had to be maintained for a number of reasons. He added that it was “appropriate” for the US president, when possible, to challenge “trends that are troubling” either in public or private.

“If the president meets with Prime Minister Modi, then the protection of the Muslim minority in a majority Hindu India – that’s something worth mentioning.