'India Most Open Society': EAM Jaishankar Reacts To Biden's 'Xenophobic' Remark

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has rejected US President Joe Biden’s description of India as “xenophobic” and said that the country has been open and welcoming to people from diverse societies. He also dismissed Biden’s remark on India’s placement among economically troubled countries and said, “Our economy is not faltering.”

Jaishankar’s statement came a day after Biden claimed that several countries, including India, are “xenophobic” because they do not welcome immigrants.

“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 (behind this)…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,” the US President said while campaigning for his re-election to the US Presidency on Thursday.

What Did EAM Jaishaker Say?

“We are the most open society. To date, 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,” Jaishankar said.

“Secondly, there was some talk about economic performance, you know our GDP is at 7 per cent. You check other people’s GDP, check the growth rate and you will get the answer,” he added.

White House Clarifies Biden’s ‘Xenophobic’ Remark

Meanwhile, hours after Biden termed India, Japan and other nations, “xenophobic,” the White House clarified the President’s intentions, emphasising his “respect” for allies and partners.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre asserted that the President’s comments were part of a broader message emphasising the strength derived from America’s immigrant heritage. She stressed that Biden’s focus remains on bolstering diplomatic relationships with nations such as India and Japan, evident in his actions over the past three years.

“Obviously, we have a strong relationship with, India with Japan, and the President if you just look at the last three years has certainly focused on those diplomatic relationships,” she said.

(With ANI Inputs)