Prominent American Muslim group urges Congress to cancel Indian premier’s event

WASHINGTON – A prominent American Muslim group has called on Congress to scrap Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech.

 House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had invited Modi to address the joint session of Congress on June 22.

 The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has asked members of Congress to stay away from the session if Modi makes the speech.

 In a letter to congressional leaders, the Director of Government Affairs for CAIR, Robert McCaw, said Modi’s speech would send the wrong message.

 It would mean that the oppression of Christians, Muslims, Dalits, Sikhs, and other religious minorities is not an issue for the U.S. Congress.

“Modi’s anti-democratic policies, such as smothering critical journalism, are also the opposite of what the U.S. Congress should be seen as celebrating. If the Joint Meeting occurs, we plan to urge members to boycott it,” said McCaw.

 McCaw said his organization will call on members to boycott the joint session if it takes place.

 The largest Muslim advocacy group in the U.S. also called for India to be designated as a country of special concern.

 It said there have been widespread human rights abuses against Christians, Muslims, Dalits, Sikhs and other religious minorities.

 The CAIR also called on the Biden government to cancel a planned state banquet honoring Modi.

 Modi’s visit to Washington will be the first since Biden took office in January 2021.

 Biden has only granted state visits to two other heads of state: French President Emmanuel Macron in December and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in April.