In what can be seen as a move to extend a hand of friendship to India, the US has turned down the recommendations to put India on the religious ‘Red List’. However, it has designated several nations, including Pakistan, as countries of particular concern for violation of religious freedom.
Countries included in the USA’s ‘Red List’
On Wednesday, the US revealed its ‘Red List’ in which it placed the names of the country that are of particular concern for violation of religious freedom. Reportedly, Pakistan, China, Iran, North Korea, and Myanmar are a few of the countries included in the list.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted, “I am designating Burma (Myanmar), the People’s Republic of China, Eritrea, Iran, the DPRK, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as Countries of Particular Concern for having engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.”
He also declared to include Algeria, Comoros, Cuba, and Nicaragua on a Special Watch List if they have been engaged in or tolerated “severe violations of religious freedom.” The U.S. also designated al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS, ISIS-Greater Sahara, ISIS-West Africa, Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin and the Taliban as ‘Entities of Particular Concern’.
Biden extending hand of friendship
It is pertinent to note that despite a recommendation by the US human rights to place India on its ‘Red List’, the US has refused to put India on the list. This clearly indicates that the US is making efforts to improve its relations with India.
As earlier as reported by TFI, according to the US-India joint leaders’ statement, Biden during his talk with Modi, had praised and acknowledged India’s “strong leadership” during its UNSC Presidency in August 2021.
Read more: Biden supports India’s bid to enter NSG and be a permanent member of the UNSC
President Biden’s support to India also came as a hint when state department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters that the US values “working with India at the United Nations, including in the context this month of the Security Council.” Price further added, “We believe that a reformed Security Council that is representative, that is effective, and that is relevant is in the best interest of the United States and all of the UN member states,”
In addition to that, Prime Minister Modi and President Biden during their meet in September had strongly reaffirmed the American nation’s support for India’s entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
Given the refusal of the US to put India on the ‘Red list’, it is evident that President Joe Biden is keen on extending an olive branch to India, all thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his diplomatic strategies.
