US senators grill designated India envoy over reforms, human rights

WASHINGTON: US senators cutting across party lines reaffirmed their support for ties with India on Tuesday but raised concerns about the state of human rights in the country, targeting of NGOs, shrinking civil society space due to the rise of “Hindu nationalism” and unequal treatment of foreign businesses.

They asked Kenneth Ian Juster, the US ambassador-designate to India, for his views on these issues at a hearing to process his nomination, and his commitment to pursuing them if confirmed. Juster was on board with them on most issues, but so was the Indian government and civil society, he reminded them.

“India has a great tradition of tolerance,” he said to a question on religious tolerance in India, especially with regard to minorities, including Sikhs. “It’s a multi-religious country and it has the values that we have in that area. Nonetheless there are instances that occur time to time… that are troubling.”

If confirmed, Juster said, he would work with the “Indians on understanding better in seeking ways to improve that situation”.

Senate foreign affairs committee chairman Bob Corker, a Republican, led the charge in his opening remarks after approvingly prefacing the growing ties. He expressed frustration over the civil nuclear deal, “slow pace of reforms”, “barriers to Indian market”, “strict localisation” and the “unpredictable” atmosphere for foreign investment.

Juster, an experienced India hand, agreed with the issues raised by the senators — including about poultry and India’s continued refusal to allow American companies to sell chicken despite a WTO ruling — and assured them he would work with them.

“India and the US share common values and a commitment to democracy, pluralism, and the rule of law,” Juster said in prepared remarks for his testimony. “The (Trump) administration views India as a leading power and a true friend, whose influence internationally is important and growing.”