May 17 :
The greatest approach to advance India-US ties, according to Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna (who spoke on May 16), is to have productive dialogue rather than "lecture India" on the subject of human rights. Khanna elaborated by saying that the current US administration should alter the way it confronts the Indian leadership. In his remarks at the Desis Decide conference, Khanna cited recent criticism of the West's attempt to "lecture India" by S. Jaishankar, India's minister of external affairs.
For more than a century, India was under British rule. It is important to keep this in mind when engaging in a discussion about human rights with individuals such as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar or anyone else, rather than approaching the topic from the vantage point of scolding India. During the summit, Khanna, who was seated alongside other notable Indian-Americans such as Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal, and Dr. Ami Bera, stated that the viewpoint that claims we have been lectured by colonial powers for hundreds of years will not lead to fruitful outcomes.
According to Khanna, a more productive approach would be to have a discourse with India about the flaws in both countries' democracies and how they might be improved together in order to promote human rights and democracy.
According to Jayapal, she concurs with Khanna. "However, it is imperative that we consider the full spectrum of American interests," she further emphasised. Truly, that is economically sound. Other regional and global circumstances make India a vital partner for us. We must be able to look at what's occurring in India and bring attention to it, just as we criticise the Chinese government for the treatment of Uyghurs or any other country in the globe.
Shri Thanedar, a lawmaker from India, has stated his support for a robust partnership between the United States and India.
America and India must have a solid partnership. Throughout its history, India has played both the Russian and American roles. However, one thing I want to do is encourage India to make a firm commitment to maintaining a close relationship with the US. India is still the greatest option to fight China's aggressiveness, and the United States must acknowledge its might and economic might. "So, my focus is on fostering a robust relationship between India and the US," Thanedar stated.
The United States of America recently cast a vote against a resolution that would have allowed Palestine to join the UN as a full member. In response to the news, Khanna cited a legislation from 1990 that states the US might cut off funding to the UN if it recognises Palestine as a sovereign nation. He went on to say that current US President Joe Biden would handle the situation more maturely.
I've been asking myself, "Why do we keep vetoing UN resolutions on recognising a Palestinian state?" and it all comes down to this obscure statute. Furthermore, it appears that a statute was enacted in 1990 which states that the United States would not be able to provide funding to the UN if it recognises a Palestinian state. Who, therefore, has a higher chance of altering that statute when we discuss complexity? With President Biden and a house in the Senate, it's obvious," Khanna added.
