India Wipes Off Foreign Criticism Against CAA

India strongly dismissed criticism against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), including remarks from the United States, emphasizing that judgments about this “commendable initiative” should not be driven by vote-bank politics.

Randhir Jaiswal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson, stated that it’s best for individuals with a limited understanding of India’s pluralistic traditions and post-partition history to refrain from giving lectures.

Jaiswal’s remarks, delivered during a media briefing, were prompted by queries about global criticism of the CAA, particularly from Washington.

He clarified that the CAA aims to grant citizenship rather than revoke it, addressing statelessness and upholding human dignity and rights. He stressed that the law is an internal matter of India.

Regarding the US State Department’s statement on the CAA’s implementation, Jaiswal described it as misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted. He asserted that the CAA aligns with India’s inclusive traditions and longstanding commitment to human rights.

Highlighting that the CAA offers refuge to persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014, Jaiswal urged India’s partners and well-wishers to appreciate the intent behind this initiative.