EAM to Biden’s remark: India not xenophobic, we are one of the most open, pluralistic societies
New Delhi, May 4 (Bureau) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday dismissed US President Joe Biden’s “xenophobic” remark for India, saying India is not xenophobic and is one of the most open and pluralistic societies in the world. Attending a media meet in Bhubaneswar, the EAM, while answering a question about Biden’s remark terming India and Japan along with China and Russia as “xenophobic”, said: “Till today, I have never seen such an open society, such a pluralistic society, such a diverse society; so I would say that we are actually not just not xenophobic, we are the most open, most pluralistic, and in many ways, the most understanding society in the world.”
In reference to Biden’s remark that India’s economy was “stalling” due to being xenophobic, he said: “Secondly, there was some talk about economic performance. You know that our GDP is at 7 percent. You can please check the GDP of the other countries, and their growth rate, and you will get the answer.” On Thursday, US President Joe Biden termed two of the US’ Quad partners – India and Japan – as “xenophobic” and said that is one of the major reasons why their economies are “stalling”. Addressing a Campaign Reception in Washington, Biden said that the US elections is “about freedom, America, and democracy.
That’s why I badly need you.” Touching on the hot topic of immigration, with his administration being accused by the opposition of being soft on the thousands of illegal immigrants, Biden said: “You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants. “We look to — the reason — look, think about it. Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants.” “Immigrants is what makes us strong. Not a joke. That’s not hyperbole. Because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and just contribute.”