Recent comments by U.S. President Joe Biden, lumping India and Japan with China and Russia as "xenophobic" countries allegedly unwelcoming to immigrants, have been met with swift rebuttals from both Asian allies.

India's Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, emphasized India's historical openness to immigrants, citing the nation's robust economic standing. This stance, reported by The Economic Times, counters Biden's assertions made during a campaign fundraiser, where he criticized countries admitting fewer migrants, attributing the U.S. economic growth to its welcoming stance toward immigrants.

Biden's singling out of Japan and India contrasts with his efforts to fortify relations with both nations since taking office in 2021. His welcoming of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hosting of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida underscored the importance of their partnerships.

Japan's embassy raised concerns with U.S. administration officials, acknowledging that Biden's comments intended to highlight immigrants' contributions to the U.S. economy but stressed they were not meant to undermine the enduring Japan-U.S. relationship.

The White House moved to mitigate the fallout, asserting that Biden's remarks aimed to celebrate U.S. diversity while reaffirming respect for allies. Despite traditionally strict immigration policies, Japan has been gradually opening its doors to counter its aging population.

Meanwhile, India's Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019, expediting naturalization for non-Muslims from neighboring countries, has drawn criticism for alleged discrimination and unconstitutionality, adding complexity to discussions on immigration and diversity.

BOB Post