India has rejected the US State Department’s “concerns” regarding the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and termed it as “misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted.”
In a press briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized that the CAA primarily aims at granting citizenship rather than revoking it. Jaiswal dismissed critiques from those with limited comprehension of India’s diverse traditions and the historical context following partition.
Addressing concerns raised by the US State Department and others, Jaiswal reiterated that India views the criticism as unfounded. He urged international partners to acknowledge the goodwill underlying the enactment of the CAA, framing it as consistent with India’s inclusive ethos and enduring commitment to human rights.
The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 provides refuge to persecuted minorities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
Jaiswal contended that there are no justifiable grounds for apprehension or mistreatment of minorities, cautioning against allowing political considerations to influence perceptions of a commendable initiative aiding distressed individuals.
India’s assertive response followed comments from US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressing concern over the notification of CAA rules and signaling close scrutiny of its implementation.
The Central government implemented the CAA on Monday, offering a pathway to citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries who entered India before December 31, 2014.
Critics argue that the law undermines the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution by excluding Muslims from its provisions.