External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar rebuffed recent assertions by US President Joe Biden characterizing India and other nations as "xenophobic" for their purported reluctance to embrace immigrants. Jaishankar, in an interview with The Economic Times, emphasized India's historical openness to diverse societies, countering Biden's claims.

Jaishankar dismissed Biden's insinuation that India's economy was faltering, citing India's status as the world's fastest-growing major economy and its ascension to the position of the fifth-largest global economy. He underscored India's trajectory toward becoming the third-largest economy by the end of the decade.

Regarding immigration, Jaishankar pointed out India's inclusive approach, exemplified by initiatives like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which provides refuge to those in need. He criticized the portrayal of India in certain sections of the Western media, citing biased coverage of ongoing protests and emphasizing the importance of objective reporting.

To mitigate potential diplomatic ramifications, the White House issued a clarification, emphasizing Biden's respect for allies like India and Japan. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre stressed Biden's focus on bolstering diplomatic ties with these nations, highlighting his actions over the past three years as evidence of this commitment.

Jean Pierre emphasized that Biden's comments were part of a broader message celebrating America's immigrant heritage and reiterated the administration's commitment to nurturing strong relationships with allies, including India and Japan.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar rebuffed recent assertions by US President Joe Biden characterizing India and other nations as "xenophobic" for their purported reluctance to embrace immigrants. Jaishankar, in an interview with The Economic Times, emphasized India's historical openness to diverse societies, countering Biden's claims.

Jaishankar dismissed Biden's insinuation that India's economy was faltering, citing India's status as the world's fastest-growing major economy and its ascension to the position of the fifth-largest global economy. He underscored India's trajectory toward becoming the third-largest economy by the end of the decade.

Regarding immigration, Jaishankar pointed out India's inclusive approach, exemplified by initiatives like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which provides refuge to those in need. He criticized the portrayal of India in certain sections of the Western media, citing biased coverage of ongoing protests and emphasizing the importance of objective reporting.

To mitigate potential diplomatic ramifications, the White House issued a clarification, emphasizing Biden's respect for allies like India and Japan. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre stressed Biden's focus on bolstering diplomatic ties with these nations, highlighting his actions over the past three years as evidence of this commitment.

Jean Pierre emphasized that Biden's comments were part of a broader message celebrating America's immigrant heritage and reiterated the administration's commitment to nurturing strong relationships with allies, including India and Japan.