Rights Issues: India and Citizenship Law

rights issues: Still, Washington's long-reverential tone toward India, including muted reactions on human rights issues, has shifted after Modi revoked autonomy to Muslim-majority Kashmir and parliament passed a citizenship law that opponents say discriminates against Muslims, according to The Japan Times. After the citizenship law's approval, a State Department spokesperson said, The United States urges India to protect the rights of its religious minorities in keeping with India's constitution and democratic values. But as Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushes forward his Hindu nationalist agenda, India has suddenly found itself in an unusual position facing reprimands from the United States. ; Few observers expect a serious deterioration of relations, and India's foreign and defense ministers are due in Washington on Wednesday for wide-ranging talks that could further boost the countries' military relationship. Sam Brownback, the U.S. envoy on religious freedom, voiced respect for India's institutions. Criticism has been more strongly worded from outside the administration. However he said the United States was concerned with the citizenship bill, and called on India to abide by its constitutional commitments. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.