 "Responding to US envoy eric Garcetti's criticism, India's S. Jaishankar clarified that the CAAaimed to rectify problems stemming from India's Partition. Reuters")
Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar challenged the US’ understanding of India’s history while dismissing their disapproval of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Jaishankar said, “I am not contesting the flaws in their democracy or their principles. I am questioning their comprehension of our history. Many global comments seem to overlook India’s Partition, as if it never occurred, and disregard the consequential issues addressed by the CAA.”
He clarified that the law aimed to rectify problems stemming from India’s Partition.
Regarding US Ambassador Eric Garcetti’s emphasis on democratic principles of freedom and equality, Jaishankar remarked at the India Today Conclave, “By simplifying and sanitising issues, removing historical context, and presenting politically correct arguments, one might claim adherence to principles without grasping the full picture.”
Garcetti, also speaking at the India Today Conclave, reiterated the US commitment to principles of religious freedom and equality, expressing concerns over the CAA’s implementation.
Jaishankar countered by highlighting similar instances in US policies, citing amendments fast-tracking citizenship for minorities like Jews and Christians.
He noted, “When faced with significant events, immediate resolution of all consequences is impractical.”
The central government recently announced the implementation of the contentious Citizenship Act, offering citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived before December 31, 2014.