Applauding the people of India for exercising their right to vote in the general elections, the White House on Friday highlighted India as one of the most vibrant democracies in the world. National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby praised the Indian electorate for actively participating in the democratic process, saying, “Not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India. We applaud the Indian people for exercising their ability to vote and have a voice in their future government. We wish them well throughout the process, of course.”
Kirby made these remarks during a press conference in response to a question about the US president’s views on India’s general elections. He also addressed the India-US relationship under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting, “Our relationship with India is extremely close and getting closer. Over the last three years, we’ve launched numerous initiatives, worked on critical emerging technologies together, and expanded the relevance of the Indo-Pacific Quad, which India is a part of. Additionally, the people-to-people exchanges and military cooperation between our countries have strengthened.”
Kirby emphasized the strength and activity of the US-India partnership, expressing gratitude for Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. When asked about President Joe Biden’s comments regarding xenophobia in some Quad countries, Kirby clarified that the president was making a broader point about the inclusivity and participatory nature of democracy in the United States.
