“We support free press”: US on India banning BBC documentary on PM Modi

The US State Department stated that it is high time to highlight the value of democratic ideals such as freedom of speech and make it a point throughout the world, as well as in India, by banning the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a briefing on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price emphasised that Washington supports free press across the world and that it is critical to promote democratic ideals such as freedom of speech.

Upon being asked if the ban on the BBC documentary was a matter of press freedom or freedom of speech, Price said, “We support the importance of a free press around the world.”

“We continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles, such as freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, as human rights that contribute to the strengthening of our democracies. This is a point we make in our relationships around the world. It’s certainly a point we’ve made in India as well,” he added while responding to the query.

Earlier on Monday, Price said, “I’m not familiar with the documentary you’re referring to, however, I am very familiar with the shared values that enact the United States and India as two thriving and vibrant democracies.”