Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his ongoing US visit, addressed the US Congress jointly with American President Joe Biden. At the presser, he was asked about the so-called weakening of democracy in India in the context of minorities allegedly facing discrimination.
Without sounding defensive, Modi tackled the hostile question with conviction. He began by saying that India is indeed a democracy and that it is not just about what people say it is. "I am surprised you say people say India is a democracy. As President Biden said, democracy is in the DNA of both our countries," Modi said.
Modi, breaking into Hindi, added that government schemes and welfare benefits reach everyone in India regardless of caste, religion and gender. He used the slogan 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas', something the BJP has used as a solid electoral pitch in India since 2014.
The PM must be applauded for effectively presenting India's case to the foreign press in the US.
He also received an ovation for what he said followed by his comment that AI (Artificial Intelligence) has seen many advances. "There is another AI that has witnessed momentous developments. It is America, India," Modi said, as the audience broke into instant clapping.
