Biden is urged by dozens of US lawmakers to discuss rights issues with Modi. According to a letter that was sent to Joe Biden on Tuesday, dozens of his fellow Democrats urged him to bring up human rights concerns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his trip to Washington this week.



Tuesday night, Modi landed in New York for a trip that is expected to be a turning point in relations between the two countries.



Despite concerns about what is perceived as a worsening human rights situation under his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, Modi has been to the United States five times since becoming prime minister in 2014. This will be his first trip with the full diplomatic status of a state visit.


Rights advocates are concerned that geopolitics will overshadow human rights issues, despite Washington's hopes for closer ties with the world's largest democracy, which it views as a counterweight to China. During Modi's visit, a number of US rights groups are planning protests.


In its March report on human rights practices, the State Department mentioned "significant human rights issues" and violations in India.


Friends can and should talk about their differences. On Thursday, Modi will give a speech to a joint House and Senate meeting, which is one of the highest honors Washington bestows on foreign dignitaries.


the targeting of civil society organizations and journalists, and the growing restrictions on press freedoms and internet access."


They stated that they had joined Biden in welcoming Modi to the United States and that they desired a "close and warm relationship" between the people of the two nations. They also stated that friendship ought to be founded on values that are shared and that "friends can and should discuss their differences in an honest and forthright way."



On Tuesday, a request for clarification was made, but the White House did not immediately respond. In any case, when getting some information about basic freedoms worries in India, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told columnists Biden accepts: " In terms of human rights, we need to maintain and strengthen this crucial relationship.