Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar rejected US President Joe Biden’s assertion that xenophobia was hindering economic growth in India, as reported by The Economic Times. During a roundtable event, Jaishankar emphasized that India’s economy was not faltering and had historically been a welcoming and open-minded society.
Jaishankar pointed to India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as evidence of the country’s commitment to helping those in need. The CAA allows immigrants fleeing persecution in neighboring countries to become Indian citizens, demonstrating India’s willingness to provide a safe haven for those seeking refuge.
Biden’s comments about xenophobia stunting growth in China, Japan, and India did not sit well with authorities in those countries. Japan, in particular, expressed disappointment in Biden’s characterization, calling it “unfortunate” and incorrect. Tokyo emphasized that the comments were not based on a true understanding of Japan’s policies and stance on immigration.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that growth in Asia’s largest economies will slow in 2024 compared to the previous year. However, the US economy is expected to grow slightly faster at 2.7%, with economists attributing some of this growth to the contributions made by migrants to the country’s labor force. Biden’s remarks and the reactions from Asian countries highlight the complex interplay between immigration policies and economic growth on a global scale.
Jaishankar also highlighted that India has always been welcoming towards immigrants and has provided them with opportunities for education, employment, and social integration into Indian society.
India has always been known for its hospitality towards people from all walks of life. The country has always welcomed people with open arms and provided them with opportunities for education, employment, and social integration into Indian society.
The CAA is just one example of how India has shown its commitment towards helping those in need. The act allows immigrants fleeing persecution in neighboring countries to become Indian citizens, showcasing India’s willingness to provide a safe haven for those seeking refuge.
In conclusion, while there may be some debate about the role of xenophobia on economic growth, it is clear that India has always been committed towards welcoming immigrants and providing them with opportunities for success. The CAA is just one example of how India has demonstrated its commitment towards helping those in need.
