India strongly rejects criticism against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), including from the United States, asserting that assessments should not be swayed by “vote-bank politics” but rather appreciate the Act’s humanitarian goals.
Responding to a question, at the weekly briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized that the CAA represents a commendable initiative to aid those facing distress, firmly stating that attempts to lecture on India’s pluralistic traditions and post-partition history by those with limited understanding are best avoided.
He clarified that the CAA is focused on granting citizenship, not revoking it, addressing statelessness, upholding human dignity, and supporting human rights.
While asserting that the law is an internal matter of India, Jaiswal said: “The CAA is about giving citizenship, not about taking away citizenship. It addresses the issue of statelessness, provides human dignity and supports human rights.”
Dismissing criticisms from the US State Department as misguided and unwarranted, the spokesperson stated that the CAA aligns with India’s inclusive ethos and enduring commitment to human rights.
“As regards the US State Department’s statement on the implementation of the CAA, we are of the view that it is misplaced, misinformed and unwarranted.”
Highlighting the Act’s provision of sanctuary 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 recognize the noble intent behind the legislation.
“The Act grants a safe haven to persecuted minorities belonging to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014,” he added.
