Biden's border control policy leaves migrants stranded at Mexico border

<p>US President Joe Biden took the stage on Thursday (July 6) in South Carolina and sought to highlight a 60 million dollars Solar investment in the latest underlining of his economic policies, dubbed 'Bidenomics'. The president, who is contesting 2024 elections to get reelected to the Oval Office, is trying to turn the tables on Republicans by blunting their traditional talking points on the economy, boasting that he is a pro-growth president.</p>

<p>"Investment is working, and factories are being built, and jobs are being created... in rural America, the heartland, all across America, in communities that have been left out and hollowed out," he said.</p>

<p>Biden seeks to win over voters from the working and middle class in those "hollowed-out" communities, but he has a lot of work to do. Polls do not show the message has got through.</p>

<p>Majority of surveyed Americans have told pollsters that they trust former President Donald Trump more than they do Biden.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Cocaine at White House: Republicans flag Hunter Biden's well-documented battle with drug addiction</strong></p>

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<p>Biden has attempted to underline that he deserves that trust more. During his speech in South Carolina, Biden presented statistics to drive home his point.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unemployment has remained consistently under four percent for the longest period in half a century, painful inflation rates from the aftermath of the Covid pandemic are slowly but steadily receding, and job creation is booming.</p>

<p>Biden was speaking at a plant where solar firm Enphase Energy is collaborating with manufacturer Flex Ltd. He told workers at the plant that the changing situation was not an accident but a result of historic government investment and incentive packages with were passed by his government.</p>

<p>For example, Enphase Energy and Flex Ltd are using tax incentives from Biden's mammoth Inflation Reduction Act to juice some $60 million in investments, including 600 new jobs in South Carolina.</p>

<p>"Since I took office, we have attracted a half a trillion dollars -- $497 billion -- in private investment in American manufacturing, both here and around the world. &nbsp;It's historic, and it's Bidenomics in action," Biden said.</p>

<h2><strong>Ribbing the Republicans</strong></h2>

<p>Biden sought to mock Republicans who tried to stop spending bills.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All those members of Congress who voted against it suddenly realize how great it is, and they're bragging about it. &nbsp;As my mother would say, 'God love them.'" said Biden.</p>

<p>Biden was speaking in Republican stronghold. South Carolina hasn't voted for a Democratic presidential nomination since 1976. Just a week ago, former US president Donald Trump held a large election campaign rally. The response is being perceived as Trump's grievance-laden message remains powerful.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-cocaine-row-trump-says-he-has-no-doubt-it-was-for-use-of-hunter-and-joe-biden-612516">White House cocaine row: Trump says he has no doubt it was for 'use of Hunter and Joe Biden'</a></strong></p>

<p>South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, who is also seeking the Republican presidential nomination, scoffed on Twitter that "propaganda tours won't hide the damage Bidenomics has done to our economy. This President has delivered nothing but failure."</p>

<p>It was notable that no Republican officials attended Biden's factory visit or even met the president. As Biden's motorcade approached the factory, it had to pass about a dozen Trump supporters including a woman displaying a "Women for Trump" flag who yelled and made an obscene gesture at the passing vehicles.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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US President Joe Biden took the stage on Thursday (July 6) in South Carolina and sought to highlight a 60 million dollars Solar investment in the latest underlining of his economic policies, dubbed 'Bidenomics'.

US President Joe Biden took the stage on Thursday (July 6) in South Carolina and sought to highlight a 60 million dollars Solar investment in the latest underlining of his economic policies, dubbed 'Bidenomics'. The president, who is contesting 2024 elections to get reelected to the Oval Office, is trying to turn the tables on Republicans by blunting their traditional talking points on the economy, boasting that he is a pro-growth president. "Investment is working, and factories are being built, and jobs are being created... in rural America, the heartland, all across America, in communities that have been left out and hollowed out," he said. Biden seeks to win over voters from the working and middle class in those "hollowed-out" communities, but he has a lot of work to do. Polls do not show the message has got through. Majority of surveyed Americans have told pollsters that they trust former President Donald Trump more than they do Biden. Watch | Cocaine at White House: Republicans flag Hunter Biden's well-documented battle with drug addiction × Biden has attempted to underline that he deserves that trust more. During his speech in South Carolina, Biden presented statistics to drive home his point. Unemployment has remained consistently under four percent for the longest period in half a century, painful inflation rates from the aftermath of the Covid pandemic are slowly but steadily receding, and job creation is booming. Biden was speaking at a plant where solar firm Enphase Energy is collaborating with manufacturer Flex Ltd. He told workers at the plant that the changing situation was not an accident but a result of historic government investment and incentive packages with were passed by his government. For example, Enphase Energy and Flex Ltd are using tax incentives from Biden's mammoth Inflation Reduction Act to juice some $60 million in investments, including 600 new jobs in South Carolina. "Since I took office, we have attracted a half a trillion dollars -- $497 billion -- in private investment in American manufacturing, both here and around the world. It's historic, and it's Bidenomics in action," Biden said. Ribbing the Republicans Biden sought to mock Republicans who tried to stop spending bills. "All those members of Congress who voted against it suddenly realize how great it is, and they're bragging about it. As my mother would say, 'God love them.'" said Biden. Biden was speaking in Republican stronghold. South Carolina hasn't voted for a Democratic presidential nomination since 1976. Just a week ago, former US president Donald Trump held a large election campaign rally. The response is being perceived as Trump's grievance-laden message remains powerful. Also Read | White House cocaine row: Trump says he has no doubt it was for 'use of Hunter and Joe Biden' South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, who is also seeking the Republican presidential nomination, scoffed on Twitter that "propaganda tours won't hide the damage Bidenomics has done to our economy. This President has delivered nothing but failure." It was notable that no Republican officials attended Biden's factory visit or even met the president. As Biden's motorcade approached the factory, it had to pass about a dozen Trump supporters including a woman displaying a "Women for Trump" flag who yelled and made an obscene gesture at the passing vehicles. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

In his latest 'Bidenomics' speech, Biden touts achievements

<p>A US federal judge on Tuesday restricted some agencies and officials of the administration of President Joe Biden from meeting and communicating with social media companies to moderate their content, according to a court filing.</p>

<p>The injunction came in response to a lawsuit brought by Republican attorneys general in Louisiana and Missouri, who alleged that U.S. government officials went too far in efforts to encourage social media companies to address posts they worried could contribute to vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic or upend elections.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/discovery-of-cocaine-in-white-house-library-prompts-secret-service-investigation-611984">Discovery of cocaine in White House library prompts secret service investigation</a></p>

<p>The ruling said government agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services and the FBI could not talk to social media companies for "the purpose of urging, encouraging, pressuring, or inducing in any manner the removal, deletion, suppression, or reduction of content containing protected free speech" under the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-is-completing-mission-in-west-bank-says-pm-netanyahu-death-toll-in-jenin-rises-to-11-611977">Israeli military is ‘completing mission’ in West Bank, says PM Netanyahu; death toll in Jenin rises to 11</a></p>

<p>A White House official said the Justice Department was reviewing the order and will evaluations its options.</p>

<p>The order also mentioned by name officials including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Jen Easterly, who heads the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in its restrictions.</p>

<p>Judge Terry Doughty, in an order filed with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, made some exceptions for communications between government officials and the companies, including to warn about risks to national security and about criminal activity.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Gravitas: Russia says Ukraine attacked Moscow with 5 drones</strong></p>

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<p>The injunction was first reported by the Washington Post.</p>

<p>Tuesday's order marks a win for Republicans who had sued the Biden administration, saying it was using the coronavirus health crisis and the threat of misinformation as an excuse to curb views that disagreed with the government.</p>

<p>U.S. officials have said they were aiming to tamp down misinformation about COVID vaccines to curb preventable deaths.</p>

<p>Facebook and Instagram parent Meta Platforms (META.O), Twitter, and Alphabet's (GOOGL.O) YouTube did not immediately respond to requests for comment.</p>

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A US federal judge on Tuesday restricted some agencies and officials of the administration of President Joe Biden from meeting and communicating with social media companies to moderate their content, according to a court filing.

A US federal judge on Tuesday restricted some agencies and officials of the administration of President Joe Biden from meeting and communicating with social media companies to moderate their content, according to a court filing. The injunction came in response to a lawsuit brought by Republican attorneys general in Louisiana and Missouri, who alleged that U.S. government officials went too far in efforts to encourage social media companies to address posts they worried could contribute to vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic or upend elections. Also Read | Discovery of cocaine in White House library prompts secret service investigation The ruling said government agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services and the FBI could not talk to social media companies for "the purpose of urging, encouraging, pressuring, or inducing in any manner the removal, deletion, suppression, or reduction of content containing protected free speech" under the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Also Read | Israeli military is ‘completing mission’ in West Bank, says PM Netanyahu; death toll in Jenin rises to 11 A White House official said the Justice Department was reviewing the order and will evaluations its options. The order also mentioned by name officials including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Jen Easterly, who heads the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in its restrictions. Judge Terry Doughty, in an order filed with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, made some exceptions for communications between government officials and the companies, including to warn about risks to national security and about criminal activity. WATCH | Gravitas: Russia says Ukraine attacked Moscow with 5 drones × The injunction was first reported by the Washington Post. Tuesday's order marks a win for Republicans who had sued the Biden administration, saying it was using the coronavirus health crisis and the threat of misinformation as an excuse to curb views that disagreed with the government. U.S. officials have said they were aiming to tamp down misinformation about COVID vaccines to curb preventable deaths. Facebook and Instagram parent Meta Platforms (META.O), Twitter, and Alphabet's (GOOGL.O) YouTube did not immediately respond to requests for comment. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

US judge restricts Biden officials from contact with social media firms

US President Joe Biden said that Washington is getting help from Afghanistan's Taliban government to 'end' Al-Qaeda threat. Biden's seemingly off-the-cuff remark contradicts a UN report released last month that said the Taliban maintains "strong and symbiotic" ties with Al-Qaeda, and that Osama bin Laden's terror group "is rebuilding operational capability" on Afghan soil.

Afghan Taliban say US President Biden 'acknowledged reality' about al-Qaeda

As a result of criticism from a state department report that blames both current President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump for the chaos that followed the pullback, the hasty withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan two years ago will remain a contentious chapter in American history.

Biden and Trump slammed for faulty withdrawal from Afghanistan

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- US President Joe Biden, 80, suffers from sleep apnea and uses a CPAP or Continuous Airway Pressure Machine (CAPM) to treat the same, it has been revealed by the White House.

Biden uses breathing machine to treat his sleep apnea, White house reveals | Trending on WION

<p>US President Joe Biden on Friday (June 30) suffered a significant political setback as US Supreme Court overruled his key programme to cancel the student loans of millions of Americans.</p>

<p>The court said Biden had overstepped his powers in cancelling more than $400 billion in debt, in an effort to alleviate the financial burden of education that hangs over many Americans decades after they finished their studies.</p>

<p>The conservative-dominated Supreme Court voted six to three in the ruling. The court said that the president should have obtained specific authorisation from US Congress to launch such a programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-riots-600-people-arrested-200-cops-left-injured-as-violence-continues-on-third-night-610544">France riots: 600 people arrested, 200 cops left injured as violence continues on third night</a></p>

<p>The court said Biden was mistaken in using a 2003 law, the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act, to justify the debt relief plan.</p>

<p>Six Republican-led states sued saying the 2003 act, which aimed to help former students who joined the military after the September 11, 2001 attacks, does not authorise Biden's loan cancellation.</p>

<p>"We agree," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/uk-environment-minister-zac-goldsmith-resigns-accuses-rishi-sunak-of-neglecting-climate-change-610540">UK environment minister Zac Goldsmith resigns, accuses Rishi Sunak of neglecting Climate Change</a></p>

<p>"The question here is not whether something should be done; it is who has the authority to do it," he said.</p>

<p>Nearly 43 million Americans have USD 1.6 trillion in federal student loans. Some of them would end up repaying them over decades as they do their jobs and raise families.</p>

<p>Biden announced the student loan cancellation plan in August 2022. He said that up to USD 20,000 per borrower would be forgiven, given that the borrower comes from low or middle-income groups.</p>

<p>The plan came on the back of a student loan payment freeze instituted by his predecessor Donald Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>Watch | French President spotted at singer Elton John's concert amid riots</p>

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<p>But US Supreme Court has said that Biden didn't have the power to unilaterally waive so much debt. The court said that this power is held by the US Congress, which is in charge of US finances.</p>

<p>"Among Congress's most important authorities is its control of the purse," wrote Justice Neil Gorsuch.</p>

<p>Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the court itself was overstepping its powers in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She argued that none of the states who sued to challenge Biden's policy had standing to do so -- they neither had a personal stake nor incurred an injury by the policy.</p>

<p>"We do not allow plaintiffs to bring suit just because they oppose a policy," she said.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden not happy</strong></h2>

<p>Biden made his displeasure clear after the Supreme Court verdict. He said that he "strongly" disagrees with the decision that ended his plan to forgive billions in federal student loans, reported AFP citing a White House source.</p>

<p>Biden will later "make clear he's not done fighting yet," said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>While&nbsp;condemning the ruling he said in a statement,&nbsp;"I'm deeply concerned that the decision could invite more discrimination against LGBTQI+ Americans. More broadly, today's decision weakens long-standing laws that protect all Americans against discrimination."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us<strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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US President Joe Biden on Friday (June 30) suffered a significant political setback as US Supreme Court overruled his key programme to cancel the student loans of millions of Americans.

US President Joe Biden on Friday (June 30) suffered a significant political setback as US Supreme Court overruled his key programme to cancel the student loans of millions of Americans. The court said Biden had overstepped his powers in cancelling more than $400 billion in debt, in an effort to alleviate the financial burden of education that hangs over many Americans decades after they finished their studies. The conservative-dominated Supreme Court voted six to three in the ruling. The court said that the president should have obtained specific authorisation from US Congress to launch such a programme. Also Read | France riots: 600 people arrested, 200 cops left injured as violence continues on third night The court said Biden was mistaken in using a 2003 law, the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act, to justify the debt relief plan. Six Republican-led states sued saying the 2003 act, which aimed to help former students who joined the military after the September 11, 2001 attacks, does not authorise Biden's loan cancellation. "We agree," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion. Also Read | UK environment minister Zac Goldsmith resigns, accuses Rishi Sunak of neglecting Climate Change "The question here is not whether something should be done; it is who has the authority to do it," he said. Nearly 43 million Americans have USD 1.6 trillion in federal student loans. Some of them would end up repaying them over decades as they do their jobs and raise families. Biden announced the student loan cancellation plan in August 2022. He said that up to USD 20,000 per borrower would be forgiven, given that the borrower comes from low or middle-income groups. The plan came on the back of a student loan payment freeze instituted by his predecessor Donald Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch | French President spotted at singer Elton John's concert amid riots × But US Supreme Court has said that Biden didn't have the power to unilaterally waive so much debt. The court said that this power is held by the US Congress, which is in charge of US finances. "Among Congress's most important authorities is its control of the purse," wrote Justice Neil Gorsuch. Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the court itself was overstepping its powers in the case. She argued that none of the states who sued to challenge Biden's policy had standing to do so -- they neither had a personal stake nor incurred an injury by the policy. "We do not allow plaintiffs to bring suit just because they oppose a policy," she said. Biden not happy Biden made his displeasure clear after the Supreme Court verdict. He said that he "strongly" disagrees with the decision that ended his plan to forgive billions in federal student loans, reported AFP citing a White House source. Biden will later "make clear he's not done fighting yet," said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity. While condemning the ruling he said in a statement, "I'm deeply concerned that the decision could invite more discrimination against LGBTQI+ Americans. More broadly, today's decision weakens long-standing laws that protect all Americans against discrimination." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US Supreme Court junks Biden's $400bn student debt cancellation plan

There is another addition to the list of U.S. President Joe Biden's embarrassing moments. When asked for a comment on the Russia-Ukraine war, Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin is losing the war in Iraq. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

US President Biden says Russian counterpart Putin losing war in Iraq

<p>President Joe Biden has responded to recent inquiries regarding his knowledge of and participation in his son's business affairs. The scrutiny intensified following revelations from an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblower who disclosed a WhatsApp message sent by Hunter Biden.</p>

<p>In the message, Biden's son mentioned being with his father as he discussed a deal with a Chinese associate. Despite the mounting questions, President Biden firmly denied any falsehoods during a press interaction while leaving a high-speed internet infrastructure event at the White House, reported the Daily Mail.</p>

<p>'No,' he told a reporter as he left the event.</p>

<p>Biden consistently asserted that he possessed no awareness of his son's business matters abroad.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Whistleblower's claims and White House statements fuel speculation</strong></h2>

<p>The ongoing discussion surrounding Hunter Biden's business affairs took a new turn last week with two significant developments.</p>

<p>Firstly, it was revealed that Hunter, who had been under federal investigation for tax and gun ownership matters, is expected to avoid prison after reaching a plea deal.</p>

<p>Republicans responded by releasing transcripts from IRS whistleblowers who accused the Department of Justice of undermining efforts to impose harsher penalties. The contradicting claims between the whistleblowers and the prosecutor who handled the case have further intensified the focus on the Biden family's activities.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Did White House influence Hunter Biden case?</strong></p>

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<p>'As we have said many times before, the president was not in business with his son,' Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson told the Daily Mail.</p>

<h2><strong>Impeachment inquiry looms and whistleblower details emerge</strong></h2>

<p>House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that an impeachment inquiry into Attorney General Merrick Garland will commence by July 6 if the IRS whistleblower claims are substantiated.</p>

<p>The whistleblower, Gary Shapley, highlighted a WhatsApp message from Hunter Biden to a Chinese Communist Party official, where he made demands and referenced his father's presence.</p>

<p>McCarthy insisted that US&nbsp;Attorney David Weiss, who led the investigation into Hunter Biden, must testify before the House Judiciary Committee. The discrepancies between Weiss's statements and Garland's defence have become the central issue driving these inquiries.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden administration defends against allegations and attacks</strong></h2>

<p>Attorney General Garland publicly defended himself, asserting that Weiss had complete authority to make independent decisions regarding the investigation.</p>

<p>Garland criticised those who questioned the integrity of the Justice Department, calling it an attack on an institution vital to American democracy. McCarthy, however, suggested that the House might proceed with impeachment articles, seeking to reconcile the conflicting information provided by Weiss and Garland.</p>

<p>The ongoing revelations, including the contentious WhatsApp message, have sparked renewed interest in Joe Biden's connections to China and foreign payments.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-biden-to-plead-guilty-on-two-misdemeanor-charges-on-july-26-607213">Hunter Biden to make court apperance on July 26 to plead guilty on misdemeanor charges</a></p>

<h2><strong>Whistleblower testimonies highlight alleged misconduct</strong></h2>

<p>The House Ways and Means Committee released testimony from IRS whistleblowers, including Shapley, who claimed that the Justice Department, FBI, and IRS interfered with the investigation into Hunter Biden's tax evasion case.</p>

<p>Jason Smith, the committee's Republican chairman, described the allegations as evidence of misconduct and government abuse.</p>

<p>The whistleblowers cited unequal treatment, delays, and denials in enforcing tax law, suggesting Department of Justice interference in protecting Joe Biden's son. These revelations have further fuelled discussions on the Biden family's alleged improprieties.</p>

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President Joe Biden has responded to recent inquiries regarding his knowledge of and participation in his son's business affairs. The scrutiny intensified following revelations from an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblower who disclosed a WhatsApp message sent by Hunter Biden.

President Joe Biden has responded to recent inquiries regarding his knowledge of and participation in his son's business affairs. The scrutiny intensified following revelations from an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblower who disclosed a WhatsApp message sent by Hunter Biden. In the message, Biden's son mentioned being with his father as he discussed a deal with a Chinese associate. Despite the mounting questions, President Biden firmly denied any falsehoods during a press interaction while leaving a high-speed internet infrastructure event at the White House, reported the Daily Mail. 'No,' he told a reporter as he left the event. Biden consistently asserted that he possessed no awareness of his son's business matters abroad. Whistleblower's claims and White House statements fuel speculation The ongoing discussion surrounding Hunter Biden's business affairs took a new turn last week with two significant developments. Firstly, it was revealed that Hunter, who had been under federal investigation for tax and gun ownership matters, is expected to avoid prison after reaching a plea deal. Republicans responded by releasing transcripts from IRS whistleblowers who accused the Department of Justice of undermining efforts to impose harsher penalties. The contradicting claims between the whistleblowers and the prosecutor who handled the case have further intensified the focus on the Biden family's activities. Also watch | Gravitas: Did White House influence Hunter Biden case? 'As we have said many times before, the president was not in business with his son,' Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson told the Daily Mail. Impeachment inquiry looms and whistleblower details emerge House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that an impeachment inquiry into Attorney General Merrick Garland will commence by July 6 if the IRS whistleblower claims are substantiated. The whistleblower, Gary Shapley, highlighted a WhatsApp message from Hunter Biden to a Chinese Communist Party official, where he made demands and referenced his father's presence. McCarthy insisted that US Attorney David Weiss, who led the investigation into Hunter Biden, must testify before the House Judiciary Committee. The discrepancies between Weiss's statements and Garland's defence have become the central issue driving these inquiries. Biden administration defends against allegations and attacks Attorney General Garland publicly defended himself, asserting that Weiss had complete authority to make independent decisions regarding the investigation. Garland criticised those who questioned the integrity of the Justice Department, calling it an attack on an institution vital to American democracy. McCarthy, however, suggested that the House might proceed with impeachment articles, seeking to reconcile the conflicting information provided by Weiss and Garland. The ongoing revelations, including the contentious WhatsApp message, have sparked renewed interest in Joe Biden's connections to China and foreign payments. Also read | Hunter Biden to make court apperance on July 26 to plead guilty on misdemeanor charges Whistleblower testimonies highlight alleged misconduct The House Ways and Means Committee released testimony from IRS whistleblowers, including Shapley, who claimed that the Justice Department, FBI, and IRS interfered with the investigation into Hunter Biden's tax evasion case. Jason Smith, the committee's Republican chairman, described the allegations as evidence of misconduct and government abuse. The whistleblowers cited unequal treatment, delays, and denials in enforcing tax law, suggesting Department of Justice interference in protecting Joe Biden's son. These revelations have further fuelled discussions on the Biden family's alleged improprieties. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden addresses allegations: Denies lying about son's business affairs

If everything goes as per the White House's plan, over 300 million people in the US Will be able to enjoy universal internet facilities by 2030.

Big US Push for universal internet

<p>To hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi tell it, India is “the mother of democracy” and a country where there is “absolutely no” discrimination of any sort.<br />
<br />
In almost poetic language, he painted an idyllic picture of the state of democracy in an address to the joint houses of Congress which was punctuated by frequent applause and standing ovations. His paean to Indian democracy, however, did not prompt many to rise to their feet. Americans tend to view their own country as modern history’s first democracy.<br />
<br />
Here is what Modi said:<br />
“ Democracy is the spirit that supports equality and dignity.&nbsp;<br />
Democracy is the idea that welcomes debate and discourse.&nbsp;<br />
Democracy is the culture that gives wings to thought and expression.&nbsp;<br />
India is blessed to have such values from times immemorial.&nbsp;<br />
In the evolution of the democratic spirit, India is the Mother of Democracy.”<br />
<br />
Asked to comment earlier at a joint press conference with US&nbsp;President Joe Biden on reports that his government has discriminated against religious minorities and sought to silence its critics, Modi’s response was “I’m actually really surprised that you are saying that people say so.” He added: “In India’s democratic values, there is absolutely no discrimination neither on the basis of caste, creed, age, or any kind of geographic location.”<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Modi’s visit to Washington, an occasion of pomp and circumstance and only the third such visit since President Joe Biden took office, prompted extensive media coverage and numerous references to human rights organisations pointing out government-sponsored hostility to India’s Muslim minority.<br />
<br />
Yet for reporters, there was no need to refer to non-governmental organisations to specify that “the mother of democracy” is far from perfect. For an American government view of democracy in India, look no further than the US State Department’s latest annual Human Rights report, issued in March. In extraordinary detail, the 19,000-word chapter on India provides a long list of anti-democratic practices.</p>

<p>The report paints a grim picture of rising religious intolerance, shrinking political space, government targeting of civil society organisations and journalists, growing restrictions on press freedoms and internet access, increasing violence against religious minorities, extrajudicial killings by the government and arbitrary arrest and detention of people then held as political prisoners. The list goes on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To get such different assessments in perspective, it is useful to look at long-running surveys compiled by independent analysts on the state of democracies around the world. They include the World Press Freedom Index whose 2023 report places India at 161 out of 180 countries surveyed. That is just three places above Russia. The latest Democracy Index of the widely-respected Economist Intelligence Unit ranks India as a “flawed democracy.”</p>

<p>The V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy) Institute at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden classifies India as an “electoral autocracy”, a phrase used to denote countries with free and fair elections but where leaders, once elected, pursue autocratic practices such as cracking down on press freedom and opposition politicians.</p>

<p>According to V-Dem, the vast majority of the world’s eight billion people live in autocracies. &nbsp;Fewer than seven per cent live in full democracies, one of four categories listed by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The others are flawed democracies, hybrid regimes and authoritarian regimes.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-invites-egyptian-president-to-g20-summit-during-state-visit-to-egypt-608566"><strong>ALSO READ|&nbsp;PM Modi invites Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to G20 summit in New Delhi</strong></a><br />
<br />
A full democracy, by the definition of the widely-respected EIU, is a country that not only guarantees political freedoms and civil liberties but also has a well-functioning government, free and fair elections, independent and diverse media, an independent judiciary and an effective system of checks and balances.<br />
<br />
A flawed democracy also has free and fair elections but weak governance, infringements on media freedom and low levels of political participation. In hybrid countries, the government exerts pressure on opposition parties, allows widespread corruption, harasses journalists and has a judiciary that lacks independence. The term authoritarian government is self-explanatory and the list includes China, Russia and Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The United States, for many years classified as a full democracy, lost that status in 2017 and has since been ranked as a flawed democracy. The reason, according to the EIU: dwindling trust in government, elected representatives and political parties. That trend preceded the election of Donald Trump in 2016 but accelerated since then.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Now, the US ranks 30 on a list of 167 countries. India takes up 40th place. The top ten of the countries rated full democracies are Norway, New Zealand, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands and Taiwan. Afghanistan comes dead last.<br />
<br />
Democratic government is a messy, difficult business. That helps explain a startling finding by annual surveys conducted by the Chicago-based communications company Edelman. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, authoritarian governments in several key countries are more trusted by their citizens than democracies.<br />
<br />
The 2023 Trust Barometer, based on more than 36,000 online interviews in 28 countries, &nbsp;showed that no government was as trusted by its citizens as China (83%), followed by the United Arab Emirates (76 %) and Saudi Arabia (63%). All three are authoritarian.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Even allowing for a measure of scepticism about online surveys in highly efficient surveillance states such as China and the UAE, the findings are remarkable. Edelman has conducted its surveys for more than two decades, and China has regularly scored high on trust.<br />
<br />
India is ranked fourth in that index, which showed a two-per cent increase, to 76%, from 2022 to 2023. The citizens of the world’s most populous country apparently have little problem with the democratic flaws criticised by outsiders.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</strong></p>

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To hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi tell it, India is “the mother of democracy” and a country where there is “absolutely no” discrimination of any sort. In almost poetic language, he painted an idyllic picture of the state of democracy in an address to the joint houses of Congress which was punctuated by frequent applause and standing ovations.

To hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi tell it, India is “the mother of democracy” and a country where there is “absolutely no” discrimination of any sort. In almost poetic language, he painted an idyllic picture of the state of democracy in an address to the joint houses of Congress which was punctuated by frequent applause and standing ovations. His paean to Indian democracy, however, did not prompt many to rise to their feet. Americans tend to view their own country as modern history’s first democracy. Here is what Modi said: “ Democracy is the spirit that supports equality and dignity. Democracy is the idea that welcomes debate and discourse. Democracy is the culture that gives wings to thought and expression. India is blessed to have such values from times immemorial. In the evolution of the democratic spirit, India is the Mother of Democracy.” Asked to comment earlier at a joint press conference with US President Joe Biden on reports that his government has discriminated against religious minorities and sought to silence its critics, Modi’s response was “I’m actually really surprised that you are saying that people say so.” He added: “In India’s democratic values, there is absolutely no discrimination neither on the basis of caste, creed, age, or any kind of geographic location.” Modi’s visit to Washington, an occasion of pomp and circumstance and only the third such visit since President Joe Biden took office, prompted extensive media coverage and numerous references to human rights organisations pointing out government-sponsored hostility to India’s Muslim minority. Yet for reporters, there was no need to refer to non-governmental organisations to specify that “the mother of democracy” is far from perfect. For an American government view of democracy in India, look no further than the US State Department’s latest annual Human Rights report, issued in March. In extraordinary detail, the 19,000-word chapter on India provides a long list of anti-democratic practices. The report paints a grim picture of rising religious intolerance, shrinking political space, government targeting of civil society organisations and journalists, growing restrictions on press freedoms and internet access, increasing violence against religious minorities, extrajudicial killings by the government and arbitrary arrest and detention of people then held as political prisoners. The list goes on. To get such different assessments in perspective, it is useful to look at long-running surveys compiled by independent analysts on the state of democracies around the world. They include the World Press Freedom Index whose 2023 report places India at 161 out of 180 countries surveyed. That is just three places above Russia. The latest Democracy Index of the widely-respected Economist Intelligence Unit ranks India as a “flawed democracy.” The V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy) Institute at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden classifies India as an “electoral autocracy”, a phrase used to denote countries with free and fair elections but where leaders, once elected, pursue autocratic practices such as cracking down on press freedom and opposition politicians. According to V-Dem, the vast majority of the world’s eight billion people live in autocracies. Fewer than seven per cent live in full democracies, one of four categories listed by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The others are flawed democracies, hybrid regimes and authoritarian regimes. ALSO READ| PM Modi invites Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to G20 summit in New Delhi A full democracy, by the definition of the widely-respected EIU, is a country that not only guarantees political freedoms and civil liberties but also has a well-functioning government, free and fair elections, independent and diverse media, an independent judiciary and an effective system of checks and balances. A flawed democracy also has free and fair elections but weak governance, infringements on media freedom and low levels of political participation. In hybrid countries, the government exerts pressure on opposition parties, allows widespread corruption, harasses journalists and has a judiciary that lacks independence. The term authoritarian government is self-explanatory and the list includes China, Russia and Saudi Arabia. The United States, for many years classified as a full democracy, lost that status in 2017 and has since been ranked as a flawed democracy. The reason, according to the EIU: dwindling trust in government, elected representatives and political parties. That trend preceded the election of Donald Trump in 2016 but accelerated since then. Now, the US ranks 30 on a list of 167 countries. India takes up 40th place. The top ten of the countries rated full democracies are Norway, New Zealand, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands and Taiwan. Afghanistan comes dead last. Democratic government is a messy, difficult business. That helps explain a startling finding by annual surveys conducted by the Chicago-based communications company Edelman. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, authoritarian governments in several key countries are more trusted by their citizens than democracies. The 2023 Trust Barometer, based on more than 36,000 online interviews in 28 countries, showed that no government was as trusted by its citizens as China (83%), followed by the United Arab Emirates (76 %) and Saudi Arabia (63%). All three are authoritarian. Even allowing for a measure of scepticism about online surveys in highly efficient surveillance states such as China and the UAE, the findings are remarkable. Edelman has conducted its surveys for more than two decades, and China has regularly scored high on trust. India is ranked fourth in that index, which showed a two-per cent increase, to 76%, from 2022 to 2023. The citizens of the world’s most populous country apparently have little problem with the democratic flaws criticised by outsiders. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Modi visit to US: Highlights different types of democracy around the world

<p>Pakistan's foreign ministry summoned the United States embassy's deputy chief of mission, on Monday, over a statement that was made last week during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden's meeting.</p>

<p>The statement called for Pakistan to ensure that its territory was not used as a base for militant attacks. It was released after the leaders of the two countries engaged in a dialogue at the White House on Friday.</p>

<p>Pakistan criticised it calling it contrary to the diplomatic norms.</p>

<p>"It was stressed that the United States should refrain from issuing statements that may be construed as an encouragement of India's baseless and politically motivated narrative against Pakistan," Pakistan's foreign office said in a statement.</p>

<p>"It was also emphasized that counter-terrorism co-operation between Pakistan and the U.S. had been progressing well and that an enabling environment, centred around trust and understanding, was imperative to further solidifying Pakistan-U.S. ties."</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan needs to do more to counter terrorist groups, says Miller</strong></h2>

<p>US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller in a daily news briefing told reporters that Pakistan had taken significant steps to counter terrorist groups, however, Washington advocated for more to be done.</p>

<p>"At the same time, however, we have also been consistent on the importance of Pakistan continuing to take steps to permanently dismantle all terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad, and their various front organizations and we will raise the issue regularly with Pakistani officials," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Imran Khan mocks Pakistan government over Modi-Biden statement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan mocked retired Pakistani army general Qamar Javed Bajwa, questioning the effectiveness of his "countless trips" to the United States while referring to a joint statement from the United States and India where Pakistan was strongly condemned for cross-border terrorism and the use of terrorist proxies.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-and-president-biden-agree-to-take-concerted-action-against-cross-border-terrorism-607544">&nbsp;</a></strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-and-president-biden-agree-to-take-concerted-action-against-cross-border-terrorism-607544">‘We must overcome forces exporting terror,’ PM Modi’s veiled attack on Pakistan in US Congress</a></p>

<p>This comes after the White House released a US-India joint statement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden calling upon Pakistan to take immediate action "to ensure that no territory under its control is used for launching terrorist attacks".</p>

<p>In a tweet Friday afternoon, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader wrote, "Gen Bajwa along with his PDM cronies claimed that I had isolated Pakistan internationally."&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gen Bajwa along with his PDM cronies claimed that I had isolated Pakistan internationally.<br />
<br />
The question we want to ask him and PDM is that after a year in government and countless trips of Pakistan's FM to the US, the joint India/US statement reduces Pakistan to a promoter of… <a href="https://t.co/2qyRqnHp5J">pic.twitter.com/2qyRqnHp5J</a></p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1672182020829757440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The question we want to ask him and PDM is that after a year in government and countless trips of Pakistan's FM to the US, the joint India/US statement reduces Pakistan to a promoter of cross-border terrorism in India and nothing more," Khan added in his tweet.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Modi-Biden statement</strong></h2>

<p>The United States and India in a joint statement after the meeting between PM Modi and Biden said the leaders stand together "to counter global terrorism and unequivocally condemn terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations."</p>

<p>President Biden and Prime Minister Modi reiterated the call for concerted action against all UN-listed terrorist groups including Al-Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizb-ul-Mujhahideen. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"They strongly condemned cross-border terrorism, the use of terrorist proxies and called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for launching terrorist attacks. They called for the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks to be brought to justice. They noted with concern the increasing global use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones and information and communication technologies for terrorist purposes and reaffirmed the importance of working together to combat such misuse," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Pakistan's foreign ministry summoned the United States embassy's deputy chief of mission, on Monday, over a statement that was made last week during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden's meeting.

Pakistan's foreign ministry summoned the United States embassy's deputy chief of mission, on Monday, over a statement that was made last week during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden's meeting. The statement called for Pakistan to ensure that its territory was not used as a base for militant attacks. It was released after the leaders of the two countries engaged in a dialogue at the White House on Friday. Pakistan criticised it calling it contrary to the diplomatic norms. "It was stressed that the United States should refrain from issuing statements that may be construed as an encouragement of India's baseless and politically motivated narrative against Pakistan," Pakistan's foreign office said in a statement. "It was also emphasized that counter-terrorism co-operation between Pakistan and the U.S. had been progressing well and that an enabling environment, centred around trust and understanding, was imperative to further solidifying Pakistan-U.S. ties." Pakistan needs to do more to counter terrorist groups, says Miller US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller in a daily news briefing told reporters that Pakistan had taken significant steps to counter terrorist groups, however, Washington advocated for more to be done. "At the same time, however, we have also been consistent on the importance of Pakistan continuing to take steps to permanently dismantle all terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad, and their various front organizations and we will raise the issue regularly with Pakistani officials," he said. Imran Khan mocks Pakistan government over Modi-Biden statement Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan mocked retired Pakistani army general Qamar Javed Bajwa, questioning the effectiveness of his "countless trips" to the United States while referring to a joint statement from the United States and India where Pakistan was strongly condemned for cross-border terrorism and the use of terrorist proxies. Also read: ‘We must overcome forces exporting terror,’ PM Modi’s veiled attack on Pakistan in US Congress This comes after the White House released a US-India joint statement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden calling upon Pakistan to take immediate action "to ensure that no territory under its control is used for launching terrorist attacks". In a tweet Friday afternoon, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader wrote, "Gen Bajwa along with his PDM cronies claimed that I had isolated Pakistan internationally." Gen Bajwa along with his PDM cronies claimed that I had isolated Pakistan internationally. The question we want to ask him and PDM is that after a year in government and countless trips of Pakistan's FM to the US, the joint India/US statement reduces Pakistan to a promoter of… pic.twitter.com/2qyRqnHp5J — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 23, 2023 × "The question we want to ask him and PDM is that after a year in government and countless trips of Pakistan's FM to the US, the joint India/US statement reduces Pakistan to a promoter of cross-border terrorism in India and nothing more," Khan added in his tweet. Modi-Biden statement The United States and India in a joint statement after the meeting between PM Modi and Biden said the leaders stand together "to counter global terrorism and unequivocally condemn terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations." President Biden and Prime Minister Modi reiterated the call for concerted action against all UN-listed terrorist groups including Al-Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizb-ul-Mujhahideen. "They strongly condemned cross-border terrorism, the use of terrorist proxies and called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for launching terrorist attacks. They called for the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks to be brought to justice. They noted with concern the increasing global use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones and information and communication technologies for terrorist purposes and reaffirmed the importance of working together to combat such misuse," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan's foreign ministry summons US embassy's deputy mission chief over US-India statement

<p>The White House on Monday released a statement saying that the US diplomats spoke to their Russian counterparts and discussed the security concerns involved during the revolt by the mercenary group Wagner.</p>

<p>The mutiny by Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin prompted this rare contact between Russia and the United States. The revolt had briefly taken control of a major city and had also threatened to attack Moscow. The turmoil ignited fears in Washington that nuclear-armed Russia could plunge into chaos.</p>

<p>"Instability in Russia is something that, you know, we take seriously and we certainly had lots of questions over the course of the weekend," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said when asked about fears over turmoil in nuclear-armed Russia.</p>

<p>"We did have and were able to have in real-time -- through diplomatic channels -- conversations with Russian officials about our concerns," he said.</p>

<p>Kirby further stated that United States officials continue to monitor Moscow's nuclear posture "very closely" during the invasion by Russian troops of pro-Western Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-begins-address-to-russians-thanks-citizens-for-patriotism-during-wagner-revolt-609015">Putin says Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus' in his address to Russians</a></p>

<p>So far there is "no indication" that Russian President Vladimir Putin is moving in the "direction" of using nuclear weapons or "anything that will cause us to change our own deterrent posture," Kirby said.</p>

<h2><strong>West 'had nothing to do' with Russia's Wagner revolt, says Biden</strong></h2>

<p>United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (June 26), said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “no excuse” to blame the Wagner group’s aborted march on Washington and that the West had “had nothing to do” with it. This comes as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly said that the country’s intelligence services are in the midst of investigating if Western spy agencies played a role in the Wagner mutiny.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference, on Monday, the US president spoke about how when the revolt began he spoke to his key allies about the situation which was unfolding in Russia at the time. “I also convened our key allies on a Zoom call,” said Biden. He added, “They agreed that we had to make sure we gave Putin no excuse...to blame this on the West and to blame this on NATO.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US president also said that the turmoil was “part of the struggle within the Russian system.” This comes after mercenary group Wagner’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin declared an armed rebellion in Russia with Putin saying that he is determined to quash the said revolt, which claimed to have seized control of the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a brief statement, the White House, on Saturday said that Biden held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss the “situation in Russia” and “affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine".</p>

<p>Furthermore, the US president also said that it’s “too early” to draw any definitive conclusions on “where this is going.” He added, “We’re going to keep assessing the fallout of this weekend’s events and the implications for Russia and Ukraine.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Biden also stressed that his key Western allies are in touch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and they will “continue to support Ukraine’s defence and sovereignty and its territorial integrity.” The US president also said that he will be calling key allies again Monday without mentioning who would be a part of this meeting.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The White House on Monday released a statement saying that the US diplomats spoke to their Russian counterparts and discussed the security concerns involved during the revolt by the mercenary group Wagner.

The White House on Monday released a statement saying that the US diplomats spoke to their Russian counterparts and discussed the security concerns involved during the revolt by the mercenary group Wagner. The mutiny by Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin prompted this rare contact between Russia and the United States. The revolt had briefly taken control of a major city and had also threatened to attack Moscow. The turmoil ignited fears in Washington that nuclear-armed Russia could plunge into chaos. "Instability in Russia is something that, you know, we take seriously and we certainly had lots of questions over the course of the weekend," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said when asked about fears over turmoil in nuclear-armed Russia. "We did have and were able to have in real-time -- through diplomatic channels -- conversations with Russian officials about our concerns," he said. Kirby further stated that United States officials continue to monitor Moscow's nuclear posture "very closely" during the invasion by Russian troops of pro-Western Ukraine. Also read: Putin says Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus' in his address to Russians So far there is "no indication" that Russian President Vladimir Putin is moving in the "direction" of using nuclear weapons or "anything that will cause us to change our own deterrent posture," Kirby said. West 'had nothing to do' with Russia's Wagner revolt, says Biden United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (June 26), said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “no excuse” to blame the Wagner group’s aborted march on Washington and that the West had “had nothing to do” with it. This comes as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly said that the country’s intelligence services are in the midst of investigating if Western spy agencies played a role in the Wagner mutiny. Addressing a press conference, on Monday, the US president spoke about how when the revolt began he spoke to his key allies about the situation which was unfolding in Russia at the time. “I also convened our key allies on a Zoom call,” said Biden. He added, “They agreed that we had to make sure we gave Putin no excuse...to blame this on the West and to blame this on NATO.” The US president also said that the turmoil was “part of the struggle within the Russian system.” This comes after mercenary group Wagner’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin declared an armed rebellion in Russia with Putin saying that he is determined to quash the said revolt, which claimed to have seized control of the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, on Saturday. In a brief statement, the White House, on Saturday said that Biden held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss the “situation in Russia” and “affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine". Furthermore, the US president also said that it’s “too early” to draw any definitive conclusions on “where this is going.” He added, “We’re going to keep assessing the fallout of this weekend’s events and the implications for Russia and Ukraine.” However, Biden also stressed that his key Western allies are in touch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and they will “continue to support Ukraine’s defence and sovereignty and its territorial integrity.” The US president also said that he will be calling key allies again Monday without mentioning who would be a part of this meeting. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US spoke to Russian counterparts to discuss security concerns during Wagner revolt, says White House

<p>The Biden administration expressed strong condemnation on Monday towards an online harassment campaign targeting Sabrina Siddiqui, a Wall Street Journal reporter, who questioned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his government's human rights record during a White House press conference last week.</p>

<p>National Security Council spokesman John Kirby described the online vitriol as "completely unacceptable" and contrary to the principles of democracy showcased during the state visit. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre echoed the sentiment, emphasising their commitment to press freedom and denouncing any attempts to intimidate or harass journalists, reported NBC.</p>

<p>"It’s completely unacceptable and it's antithetical to the very principles of democracy that ... were on display last week during the state visit," he said.</p>

<p>During the press conference held at the White House on Thursday, Siddiqui directed a question to President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Modi, highlighting concerns raised by human rights groups about religious minority discrimination and stifling of dissent in India.</p>

<p>She asked what measures the Indian government was willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities and uphold freedom of speech.</p>

<p>Modi, who rarely engages with reporters, expressed surprise at the question and defended India's democratic values, asserting that there is no discrimination based on caste, creed, age, or geography in the country. He emphasised that democracy is deeply ingrained in both India and the United States.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-discusses-defence-trade-with-egyptian-president-abdel-fattah-el-sisi-608519">Indian PM Modi discusses defence, trade with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi</a></p>

<p>Prior to becoming prime minister, Modi faced a ban from the US&nbsp;due to allegations regarding his role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,000 people, mostly Muslims.</p>

<p>Since assuming office in 2014, he has faced criticism for various aspects of his human rights record, including the censorship of journalists and the curbing of autonomy in the region of Kashmir.</p>

<h2><strong>Officials condemn vitriolic campaign against Wall Street Journal reporter</strong></h2>

<p>Following her interaction with Modi, Siddiqui became the target of online abuse, primarily from the prime minister's supporters in India.</p>

<p>The Wall Street Journal issued a statement on Monday in support of Siddiqui, describing her as a respected journalist known for her integrity and unbiased reporting.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;'PM Modi's visit to US was historic and substantial', says Taranjit Singh Sandhu | WION Exclusive</strong></p>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The newspaper unequivocally condemned the harassment she has faced. The South Asian Journalists Association also stood in solidarity with Siddiqui, expressing continued support for her and highlighting that she, like many South Asian and female journalists, is experiencing harassment simply for doing her job.</div>

<p>The incidents surrounding Siddiqui's questioning of Prime Minister Modi and the subsequent online abuse underscore the importance of protecting press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists.</p>

<p>It highlights the challenges faced by reporters who seek to hold leaders accountable and shed light on human rights concerns. The Biden administration's condemnation of the harassment sends a strong message that such actions are unacceptable and contrary to the principles of democracy and freedom of the press.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The Biden administration expressed strong condemnation on Monday towards an online harassment campaign targeting Sabrina Siddiqui, a Wall Street Journal reporter, who questioned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his government's human rights record during a White House press conference last week.

The Biden administration expressed strong condemnation on Monday towards an online harassment campaign targeting Sabrina Siddiqui, a Wall Street Journal reporter, who questioned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his government's human rights record during a White House press conference last week. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby described the online vitriol as "completely unacceptable" and contrary to the principles of democracy showcased during the state visit. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre echoed the sentiment, emphasising their commitment to press freedom and denouncing any attempts to intimidate or harass journalists, reported NBC. "It’s completely unacceptable and it's antithetical to the very principles of democracy that ... were on display last week during the state visit," he said. During the press conference held at the White House on Thursday, Siddiqui directed a question to President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Modi, highlighting concerns raised by human rights groups about religious minority discrimination and stifling of dissent in India. She asked what measures the Indian government was willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities and uphold freedom of speech. Modi, who rarely engages with reporters, expressed surprise at the question and defended India's democratic values, asserting that there is no discrimination based on caste, creed, age, or geography in the country. He emphasised that democracy is deeply ingrained in both India and the United States. Also read | Indian PM Modi discusses defence, trade with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Prior to becoming prime minister, Modi faced a ban from the US due to allegations regarding his role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,000 people, mostly Muslims. Since assuming office in 2014, he has faced criticism for various aspects of his human rights record, including the censorship of journalists and the curbing of autonomy in the region of Kashmir. Officials condemn vitriolic campaign against Wall Street Journal reporter Following her interaction with Modi, Siddiqui became the target of online abuse, primarily from the prime minister's supporters in India. The Wall Street Journal issued a statement on Monday in support of Siddiqui, describing her as a respected journalist known for her integrity and unbiased reporting. Also watch | 'PM Modi's visit to US was historic and substantial', says Taranjit Singh Sandhu | WION Exclusive The newspaper unequivocally condemned the harassment she has faced. The South Asian Journalists Association also stood in solidarity with Siddiqui, expressing continued support for her and highlighting that she, like many South Asian and female journalists, is experiencing harassment simply for doing her job. The incidents surrounding Siddiqui's questioning of Prime Minister Modi and the subsequent online abuse underscore the importance of protecting press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists. It highlights the challenges faced by reporters who seek to hold leaders accountable and shed light on human rights concerns. The Biden administration's condemnation of the harassment sends a strong message that such actions are unacceptable and contrary to the principles of democracy and freedom of the press. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden administration slams online harassment of journalist questioning Indian PM's human rights record

<p>United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (June 26), said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “no excuse” to blame the Wagner group’s aborted march on Washington and that the West had “had nothing to do” with it. This comes as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly said that the country’s intelligence services are in the midst of investigating if Western spy agencies played a role in the Wagner mutiny.<br />
<br />
<strong>What did the US president say?</strong></p>

<p>Addressing a press conference, on Monday, the US president spoke about how when the revolt began he spoke to his key allies about the situation which was unfolding in Russia at the time. “I also convened our key allies on a Zoom call,” said Biden. He added, “They agreed that we had to make sure we gave Putin no excuse...to blame this on the West and to blame this on NATO.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US president also said that the turmoil was “part of the struggle within the Russian system.” This comes after mercenary group Wagner’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin declared an armed rebellion in Russia with Putin saying that he is determined to quash the said revolt, which claimed to have seized control of the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-global-leaders-are-reacting-on-rebellion-in-southern-russian-city-of-rostov-on-don-608271">How global leaders reacted to rebellion in Russia, Wagner's control of Rostov-on-Don</a></strong></p>

<p>In a brief statement, the White House, on Saturday said that Biden held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss the “situation in Russia” and “affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine".</p>

<p>Furthermore, the US president also said that it’s “too early” to draw any definitive conclusions on “where this is going.” He added, “We’re going to keep assessing the fallout of this weekend’s events and the implications for Russia and Ukraine.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prigozhin-posts-first-message-since-mutiny-says-march-not-aimed-at-overthrowing-government-608952">Wagner chief posts first message since mutiny, says 'march not aimed at overthrowing government'</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Biden also stressed that his key Western allies are in touch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and they will “continue to support Ukraine’s defence and sovereignty and its territorial integrity.” The US president also said that he will be calling key allies again Monday without mentioning who would be a part of this meeting.</p>

<p><strong>Russia is investigating Western involvement in Wagner mutiny: Lavrov</strong></p>

<p>In an interview with Russian RT television, Lavrov said that the Russian intelligence services are investigating if Western spy agencies played a role in the recently aborted mutiny by Wagner, reported TASS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian foreign minister said that US Ambassador Lynne Tracy had spoken to Russian representatives on Sunday and given “signals” that Washington was not involved and that the US hopes that Moscow’s nuclear arsenal would be kept safe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-makes-first-public-appearance-in-video-address-since-aborted-mutiny-608861">Russia's Putin makes first public appearance in video address since aborted mutiny</a></strong></p>

<p>He also said that the US representative called Wagner’s move Russia’s internal affair. When asked about any evidence of neither Ukrainian nor Western intelligence services being involved in Wagner’s mutiny, Lavrov said, “I work in a department that does not collect evidence about illegal actions, but we have such structures, and I assure you, they already understand this."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (June 26), said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “no excuse” to blame the Wagner group’s aborted march on Washington and that the West had “had nothing to do” with it.

United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (June 26), said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “no excuse” to blame the Wagner group’s aborted march on Washington and that the West had “had nothing to do” with it. This comes as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly said that the country’s intelligence services are in the midst of investigating if Western spy agencies played a role in the Wagner mutiny. What did the US president say? Addressing a press conference, on Monday, the US president spoke about how when the revolt began he spoke to his key allies about the situation which was unfolding in Russia at the time. “I also convened our key allies on a Zoom call,” said Biden. He added, “They agreed that we had to make sure we gave Putin no excuse...to blame this on the West and to blame this on NATO.” The US president also said that the turmoil was “part of the struggle within the Russian system.” This comes after mercenary group Wagner’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin declared an armed rebellion in Russia with Putin saying that he is determined to quash the said revolt, which claimed to have seized control of the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, on Saturday. ALSO READ | How global leaders reacted to rebellion in Russia, Wagner's control of Rostov-on-Don In a brief statement, the White House, on Saturday said that Biden held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss the “situation in Russia” and “affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine". Furthermore, the US president also said that it’s “too early” to draw any definitive conclusions on “where this is going.” He added, “We’re going to keep assessing the fallout of this weekend’s events and the implications for Russia and Ukraine.” ALSO READ | Wagner chief posts first message since mutiny, says 'march not aimed at overthrowing government' However, Biden also stressed that his key Western allies are in touch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and they will “continue to support Ukraine’s defence and sovereignty and its territorial integrity.” The US president also said that he will be calling key allies again Monday without mentioning who would be a part of this meeting. Russia is investigating Western involvement in Wagner mutiny: Lavrov In an interview with Russian RT television, Lavrov said that the Russian intelligence services are investigating if Western spy agencies played a role in the recently aborted mutiny by Wagner, reported TASS. The Russian foreign minister said that US Ambassador Lynne Tracy had spoken to Russian representatives on Sunday and given “signals” that Washington was not involved and that the US hopes that Moscow’s nuclear arsenal would be kept safe. ALSO READ | Russia's Putin makes first public appearance in video address since aborted mutiny He also said that the US representative called Wagner’s move Russia’s internal affair. When asked about any evidence of neither Ukrainian nor Western intelligence services being involved in Wagner’s mutiny, Lavrov said, “I work in a department that does not collect evidence about illegal actions, but we have such structures, and I assure you, they already understand this." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

West had 'nothing to do' with Wagner's aborted Russia mutiny: US President Biden

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday attended the 'Hi-Tech Handshake' event at the White House where he interacted with the top CEOs of India and the United States.</p>

<p>During the event, he underlined the significance of technology and how it can help a country progress. He further said that talent and technology, if combined together can lead towards a brighter future.</p>

<p>"The coming together of talent and technology guarantees a brighter future," said PM Modi at the Hi-Tech Handshake event with top CEOs of the US and India at the White House.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
PM Modi during the event met with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Apple&nbsp;CEO Tim Cook, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, Reliance Industries Chairman and MD Mukesh Ambani, Zerodha and True Beacon Co-Founder Nikhil Kamath&nbsp;and several others.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">At the White House today, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and I met top CEOs associated with tech and innovation to explore ways in which technology can fuel India-USA relations. Harnessing tech for societal betterment is a common goal that binds us, promising a brighter future for our people. <a href="https://t.co/lpxCtuxmzq">pic.twitter.com/lpxCtuxmzq</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1672333175710679041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Joe Biden during the event said, "India, US cooperation matters, not just for our own people but quite frankly to the whole world as our partnership is about more than the next breakthrough or the next deal as big as they may be. It is about tackling climate change, about exploring the universe, about lifting people out of poverty, preventing pandemics &amp; giving our citizens real opportunity."</p>

<h2><strong>US State Department along with VP Kamala Harris host PM Modi at luncheon</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, the US State Department along with Vice President Kamala Harris hosted PM Modi at a luncheon where US Secretary of State Antony Blinken underlined how India is a part of their daily lives.</p>

<p>"Here in the US, India is part of our daily lives. We enjoy our Jhumpa Lahiri novels over samosas. We laugh at the comedies of Mindy Kaling. We dance to the beats of Diljit at Coachella. We keep ourselves more or less fit and healthy doing Yoga," said Blinken.</p>

<p>Blinken then raised a toast to the India-US relations at the state kuncheon.</p>

<p>"Whether we call it the American dream or Indian dream...our people believe profoundly in opportunity. No matter who we are or where we come from, we can make something more of ourselves," said Blinken as he raised a toast "to the shared hopes of the US and India."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Attended a luncheon at the <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a>, where I had the opportunity to interact with <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a> and several other distinguished people from different walks of life. <a href="https://t.co/0ahdWesS7H">pic.twitter.com/0ahdWesS7H</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1672334600591245319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Vice President Kamala Harris on the other hand also reflected upon the impact the Indian Americans have had on the United States in every facet of life.</p>

<p>"I am struck by the extraordinary impact Indian Americans have had on our country in every facet of life. Take for example the historic number of members of the United States Congress with Indian heritage," the US Vice President said at the state luncheon attended by PM Narendra Modi on Friday.</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Modi, we are honoured to welcome you. We also welcome the members of the President's Cabinet who are here and all of the members of Congress who are here," she said.</p>

<p>The US Vice President further said: "We see the impact of Indian Americans from American companies to neighbourhood businesses, from the studios of Hollywood to university research labs across our country."</p>

<p>She said India is an important part of her life. "When my sister Maya and I were growing up, our mother would take us to India pretty much every other year. And the purpose of those trips was that we would well understand where she came from, what produced her, so that we could spend time with our grandparents, with my uncle," Harris said during her address.</p>

<p>"As I travel the world as Vice-President, I've seen the impact of India's global impact. In South East Asia, India-made vaccines saved lives. In the African continent, India's longstanding partnerships support prosperity and security. Through the Indo-Pacific, India helps promote a free and open region," she added.</p>

<p>PM Modi was on his sixth, and maiden&nbsp;state visit to the United States.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday attended the 'Hi-Tech Handshake' event at the White House where he interacted with the top CEOs of India and the United States.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday attended the 'Hi-Tech Handshake' event at the White House where he interacted with the top CEOs of India and the United States. During the event, he underlined the significance of technology and how it can help a country progress. He further said that talent and technology, if combined together can lead towards a brighter future. "The coming together of talent and technology guarantees a brighter future," said PM Modi at the Hi-Tech Handshake event with top CEOs of the US and India at the White House. PM Modi during the event met with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, Reliance Industries Chairman and MD Mukesh Ambani, Zerodha and True Beacon Co-Founder Nikhil Kamath and several others. At the White House today, @POTUS @JoeBiden and I met top CEOs associated with tech and innovation to explore ways in which technology can fuel India-USA relations. Harnessing tech for societal betterment is a common goal that binds us, promising a brighter future for our people. pic.twitter.com/lpxCtuxmzq — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 23, 2023 × President Joe Biden during the event said, "India, US cooperation matters, not just for our own people but quite frankly to the whole world as our partnership is about more than the next breakthrough or the next deal as big as they may be. It is about tackling climate change, about exploring the universe, about lifting people out of poverty, preventing pandemics & giving our citizens real opportunity." US State Department along with VP Kamala Harris host PM Modi at luncheon On Friday, the US State Department along with Vice President Kamala Harris hosted PM Modi at a luncheon where US Secretary of State Antony Blinken underlined how India is a part of their daily lives. "Here in the US, India is part of our daily lives. We enjoy our Jhumpa Lahiri novels over samosas. We laugh at the comedies of Mindy Kaling. We dance to the beats of Diljit at Coachella. We keep ourselves more or less fit and healthy doing Yoga," said Blinken. Blinken then raised a toast to the India-US relations at the state kuncheon. "Whether we call it the American dream or Indian dream...our people believe profoundly in opportunity. No matter who we are or where we come from, we can make something more of ourselves," said Blinken as he raised a toast "to the shared hopes of the US and India." Attended a luncheon at the @StateDept, where I had the opportunity to interact with @VP @KamalaHarris, @SecBlinken and several other distinguished people from different walks of life. pic.twitter.com/0ahdWesS7H — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 23, 2023 × US Vice President Kamala Harris on the other hand also reflected upon the impact the Indian Americans have had on the United States in every facet of life. "I am struck by the extraordinary impact Indian Americans have had on our country in every facet of life. Take for example the historic number of members of the United States Congress with Indian heritage," the US Vice President said at the state luncheon attended by PM Narendra Modi on Friday. "Prime Minister Modi, we are honoured to welcome you. We also welcome the members of the President's Cabinet who are here and all of the members of Congress who are here," she said. The US Vice President further said: "We see the impact of Indian Americans from American companies to neighbourhood businesses, from the studios of Hollywood to university research labs across our country." She said India is an important part of her life. "When my sister Maya and I were growing up, our mother would take us to India pretty much every other year. And the purpose of those trips was that we would well understand where she came from, what produced her, so that we could spend time with our grandparents, with my uncle," Harris said during her address. "As I travel the world as Vice-President, I've seen the impact of India's global impact. In South East Asia, India-made vaccines saved lives. In the African continent, India's longstanding partnerships support prosperity and security. Through the Indo-Pacific, India helps promote a free and open region," she added. PM Modi was on his sixth, and maiden state visit to the United States. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

PM Modi meets top CEOs in US, says talent and technology can create brighter future

<p>American President Joe Biden on Friday gifted a special ‘AI T-shirt’ to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What made it truly special for the Indo-US ties was the quote that it carried, was taken from PM Modi’s address to the joint session of the US Congress a day earlier in Washington DC. PM Modi, in his address, had hailed the "momentous development" in AI - America and India.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US President Joe Biden gifted a special T-Shirt to PM Narendra Modi with the PM's quote on AI.<br />
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"In the past few years, there have been many advances in AI- Artificial Intelligence. At the same time, there has been even more momentous development in another AI-… <a href="https://t.co/rx97EHZnMj">pic.twitter.com/rx97EHZnMj</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1672330462621224961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"A lot has changed in the past seven years, but the commitment to deepen friendship between India and the US remains the same. In the era of AI [Artificial Intelligence], another AI (America-India) has seen even more momentous developments," PM Modi had said.</p>

<p>As soon as PM Modi made this remark in the US Congress, he received a standing ovation from the US lawmakers.</p>

<p>Enhancing the co-operation between US and India in the field of advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence has been a great focus of PM Modi’s trip to the US.</p>

<p>During the course of the day, the prime minister engaged in meetings with the chief executive officers (CEOs) of prominent organisations such as FedEx, MasterCard, and Adobe. The discussions revolved around various technological sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), and focused on topics such as innovation, investment, and manufacturing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subsequently, the prime minister attended an official state luncheon hosted by US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.</p>

<p>At the event, President Joe Biden told PM Modi, “Our cooperation matters, not just for our own people but quite frankly to the whole world as our partnership is about more than the next breakthrough or the next deal as big as they may be. It is about tackling climate change, about exploring the universe, about lifting people out of poverty, preventing pandemics and giving our citizens real opportunity.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi state visit to the US: Rousing reception from US lawmakers</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier, at the 'Hi-tech Handshake' event held at the White House, President Biden emphasised the significance of technology cooperation in shaping the partnership between the United States and India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, expressed his belief that the convergence of talent and technology ensures a brighter future.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-addresses-top-ceos-in-us-underlines-impact-of-indian-americans-at-luncheon-608004"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi addresses top CEOs in US, underlines impact of Indian-Americans at luncheon</strong></a></p>

<p>Furthermore, India's advancements in 5G and 6G technology, along with the US Next G alliance, will lead to the establishment of a new forum for public-private co-operation. Additionally, the United States is welcoming Indian participation in its "rip and replace" programme, which involves the removal of telecommunications equipment provided by untrusted vendors.</p>

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American President Joe Biden on Friday gifted a special ‘AI T-shirt’ to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What made it truly special for the Indo-US ties was the quote that it carried, was taken from PM Modi’s address to the joint session of the US Congress a day earlier in Washington DC.

American President Joe Biden on Friday gifted a special ‘AI T-shirt’ to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What made it truly special for the Indo-US ties was the quote that it carried, was taken from PM Modi’s address to the joint session of the US Congress a day earlier in Washington DC. PM Modi, in his address, had hailed the "momentous development" in AI - America and India. #WATCH | US President Joe Biden gifted a special T-Shirt to PM Narendra Modi with the PM's quote on AI. "In the past few years, there have been many advances in AI- Artificial Intelligence. At the same time, there has been even more momentous development in another AI-… pic.twitter.com/rx97EHZnMj — ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2023 × "A lot has changed in the past seven years, but the commitment to deepen friendship between India and the US remains the same. In the era of AI [Artificial Intelligence], another AI (America-India) has seen even more momentous developments," PM Modi had said. As soon as PM Modi made this remark in the US Congress, he received a standing ovation from the US lawmakers. Enhancing the co-operation between US and India in the field of advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence has been a great focus of PM Modi’s trip to the US. During the course of the day, the prime minister engaged in meetings with the chief executive officers (CEOs) of prominent organisations such as FedEx, MasterCard, and Adobe. The discussions revolved around various technological sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), and focused on topics such as innovation, investment, and manufacturing. Subsequently, the prime minister attended an official state luncheon hosted by US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. At the event, President Joe Biden told PM Modi, “Our cooperation matters, not just for our own people but quite frankly to the whole world as our partnership is about more than the next breakthrough or the next deal as big as they may be. It is about tackling climate change, about exploring the universe, about lifting people out of poverty, preventing pandemics and giving our citizens real opportunity.” Watch: PM Modi state visit to the US: Rousing reception from US lawmakers × Earlier, at the 'Hi-tech Handshake' event held at the White House, President Biden emphasised the significance of technology cooperation in shaping the partnership between the United States and India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, expressed his belief that the convergence of talent and technology ensures a brighter future. Also read: PM Modi addresses top CEOs in US, underlines impact of Indian-Americans at luncheon Furthermore, India's advancements in 5G and 6G technology, along with the US Next G alliance, will lead to the establishment of a new forum for public-private co-operation. Additionally, the United States is welcoming Indian participation in its "rip and replace" programme, which involves the removal of telecommunications equipment provided by untrusted vendors. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

T-shirt diplomacy: Biden gifts Modi special T-shirt with PM’s quote: ‘The future is AI - America and India’

<p>During the state dinner at the White House, US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared lighthearted moments while raising a toast. Interestingly, both leaders are teetotalers, and President Biden took the opportunity to share his grandfather's advice on raising a toast without alcohol.</p>

<p>Addressing the distinguished gathering of approximately 400 guests, President Biden recounted his grandfather, Ambrose Finnegan's words of wisdom. Finnegan used to say, "If you give a toast and you don't have any alcohol in the glass, you must do it with your left hand. You all think I'm kidding. I'm not."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, at the State Dinner at the White House. <a href="https://t.co/r0LkOADAZ6">pic.twitter.com/r0LkOADAZ6</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1672041317185236992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The audience burst into laughter while the translator attempted to convey the humour in Hindi. The amusing anecdote added a cheerful touch to the high-profile event.</p>

<p>Expressing his gratitude, President Biden stated, "Jill and I have had a wonderful time with the Prime Minister today during your truly productive visit. Tonight, we celebrate the great bonds of friendship between India and the United States."</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi reciprocated the appreciation, thanking President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for hosting the dinner and welcoming him into their home. He expressed his gratitude for the enjoyable dinner and acknowledged the effort put forth by First Lady Jill Biden to ensure the success of his visit. Modi expressed, "Yesterday evening, you opened the doors of your house for me."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-and-president-biden-agree-to-take-concerted-action-against-cross-border-terrorism-607544"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi and President Biden agree to take `concerted action` against cross-border terrorism</strong></a></p>

<p>Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Prime Minister Modi stated, "This evening is made special by the presence of the people of our two countries; they are our most precious assets." He emphasised that the guests in attendance symbolised the dynamic and energetic relationship between the United States and India, as well as the immense potential that lies within it.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Key highlights from PM Modi-President Biden's joint press conference</strong></p>

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<p>The guest list for the grand White House dinner included notable figures from various fields, such as business, fashion, and entertainment. Among the attendees were renowned designer Ralph Lauren, filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, and tennis legend Billie Jean King. Tech leaders from companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft also graced the occasion, further exemplifying the diverse and influential connections present at the event.</p>

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During the state dinner at the White House, US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared lighthearted moments while raising a toast. Interestingly, both leaders are teetotalers, and President Biden took the opportunity to share his grandfather's advice on raising a toast without alcohol.

During the state dinner at the White House, US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared lighthearted moments while raising a toast. Interestingly, both leaders are teetotalers, and President Biden took the opportunity to share his grandfather's advice on raising a toast without alcohol. Addressing the distinguished gathering of approximately 400 guests, President Biden recounted his grandfather, Ambrose Finnegan's words of wisdom. Finnegan used to say, "If you give a toast and you don't have any alcohol in the glass, you must do it with your left hand. You all think I'm kidding. I'm not." #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, at the State Dinner at the White House. pic.twitter.com/r0LkOADAZ6 — ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2023 × The audience burst into laughter while the translator attempted to convey the humour in Hindi. The amusing anecdote added a cheerful touch to the high-profile event. Expressing his gratitude, President Biden stated, "Jill and I have had a wonderful time with the Prime Minister today during your truly productive visit. Tonight, we celebrate the great bonds of friendship between India and the United States." Prime Minister Modi reciprocated the appreciation, thanking President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for hosting the dinner and welcoming him into their home. He expressed his gratitude for the enjoyable dinner and acknowledged the effort put forth by First Lady Jill Biden to ensure the success of his visit. Modi expressed, "Yesterday evening, you opened the doors of your house for me." Also read: PM Modi and President Biden agree to take `concerted action` against cross-border terrorism Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Prime Minister Modi stated, "This evening is made special by the presence of the people of our two countries; they are our most precious assets." He emphasised that the guests in attendance symbolised the dynamic and energetic relationship between the United States and India, as well as the immense potential that lies within it. Watch: Key highlights from PM Modi-President Biden's joint press conference × The guest list for the grand White House dinner included notable figures from various fields, such as business, fashion, and entertainment. Among the attendees were renowned designer Ralph Lauren, filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, and tennis legend Billie Jean King. Tech leaders from companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft also graced the occasion, further exemplifying the diverse and influential connections present at the event. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

PM Modi bursts into laughter as Joe Biden recounts his grandfather’s advice ahead of state dinner

Joe Biden and US first lady Jill Biden hosted a state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the WHite House. The US president and Narendra Modi said the two democracies is a partnership taht would define the next century.

Biden hosts state dinner for Indian PM

US President Joe Biden raises a toast to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the State dinner hosted at the White House in his honour. "I want to thank US President Joe Biden for this wonderful dinner today. I would also like to thank First Lady Jill Biden for taking care of my visit to make it successful. Yesterday evening you opened the doors of your house for me," said PM Modi during the official State Dinner at The White House.

PM Modi's US Visit : Indian PM thanks Biden and First Lady for hosting State Dinner at White House

<p>President Joe Biden reassured that any negative repercussions arising from his remarks&nbsp;of President Xi Jinping of China being a "dictator" would not compromise the recent diplomatic advancements made between Washington and Beijing, reported AFP.</p>

<p>“The answer to your question is no,” Biden said during a White House press conference on Thursday when asked if his comments were detrimental&nbsp;to US-China ties.</p>

<p>“I don’t think it’s had any real consequence,” Biden added.&nbsp;The president said he expects to meet with Xi “in the near term.”</p>

<p>On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy conveyed that Xie Feng, China's ambassador to the US, had expressed strong objections to high-ranking officials in the White House and State Department. According to a statement from Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Liu Pengyu, the remarks were criticised as being incorrect, illogical, and lacking responsibility.<br />
<br />
Additionally, it was cautioned that the Chinese government would firmly retaliate and reject any form of political instigation against its top leader.</p>

<p>During a campaign fundraiser in California on Tuesday, President Biden made comments referring to China's leader as a "dictator." These remarks implied that the Chinese leader might have felt humiliated due to his alleged lack of knowledge regarding a Chinese spy balloon having crossed the United States in February.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/democracy-is-in-indias-dna-no-space-for-discrimination-says-pm-modi-on-minority-rights-607527">'Democracy is in India's DNA, no space for discrimination', says PM Modi on minority rights</a></p>

<p>“The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two boxcars full spy gear is because he didn’t know was there,” Biden said.</p>

<p>“That’s great embarrassment for dictators, he didn’t know what happened. That wasn’t supposed to be going where it was,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the statement, Liu criticised Biden's remark&nbsp;as a "smear" that directly contradicts established facts, violates diplomatic norms, and encroaches upon China's political dignity.</p>

<p>“We urge the US&nbsp;side to immediately take earnest actions to undo the negative impact and honour its own commitments,” the Chinese spokesperson said. “Otherwise, it will have to bear all the consequences.”</p>

<h2><strong>Repercussions and contrasting views following Biden's remarks on China</strong></h2>

<p>President Biden's comments regarding China came just a few days after his top diplomat, Secretary of State Blinken, concluded meetings in Beijing, including a meeting with President Xi Jinping. During the meetings, Xi praised the visit, acknowledging progress and specific agreements reached, describing the outcome as positive.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Over 400 guests invited to the state dinner at the White House</strong></p>

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<p>Shortly after the meetings, Blinken addressed reporters, highlighting the progress made and emphasising the mutual agreement to stabilise the relationship between the United States and China.</p>

<p>However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Chinese officials expressed strong disapproval of Biden's comments, stating that they contradict the commitments made by the US&nbsp;side and undermine mutual trust. The Chinese further described the nature and impact of Biden's remarks as highly negative.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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President Joe Biden reassured that any negative repercussions arising from his remarks of President Xi Jinping of China being a "dictator" would not compromise the recent diplomatic advancements made between Washington and Beijing, reported AFP.

President Joe Biden reassured that any negative repercussions arising from his remarks of President Xi Jinping of China being a "dictator" would not compromise the recent diplomatic advancements made between Washington and Beijing, reported AFP. “The answer to your question is no,” Biden said during a White House press conference on Thursday when asked if his comments were detrimental to US-China ties. “I don’t think it’s had any real consequence,” Biden added. The president said he expects to meet with Xi “in the near term.” On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy conveyed that Xie Feng, China's ambassador to the US, had expressed strong objections to high-ranking officials in the White House and State Department. According to a statement from Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Liu Pengyu, the remarks were criticised as being incorrect, illogical, and lacking responsibility. Additionally, it was cautioned that the Chinese government would firmly retaliate and reject any form of political instigation against its top leader. During a campaign fundraiser in California on Tuesday, President Biden made comments referring to China's leader as a "dictator." These remarks implied that the Chinese leader might have felt humiliated due to his alleged lack of knowledge regarding a Chinese spy balloon having crossed the United States in February. Also read | 'Democracy is in India's DNA, no space for discrimination', says PM Modi on minority rights “The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two boxcars full spy gear is because he didn’t know was there,” Biden said. “That’s great embarrassment for dictators, he didn’t know what happened. That wasn’t supposed to be going where it was,” he added. In the statement, Liu criticised Biden's remark as a "smear" that directly contradicts established facts, violates diplomatic norms, and encroaches upon China's political dignity. “We urge the US side to immediately take earnest actions to undo the negative impact and honour its own commitments,” the Chinese spokesperson said. “Otherwise, it will have to bear all the consequences.” Repercussions and contrasting views following Biden's remarks on China President Biden's comments regarding China came just a few days after his top diplomat, Secretary of State Blinken, concluded meetings in Beijing, including a meeting with President Xi Jinping. During the meetings, Xi praised the visit, acknowledging progress and specific agreements reached, describing the outcome as positive. Also watch | Over 400 guests invited to the state dinner at the White House Shortly after the meetings, Blinken addressed reporters, highlighting the progress made and emphasising the mutual agreement to stabilise the relationship between the United States and China. However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Chinese officials expressed strong disapproval of Biden's comments, stating that they contradict the commitments made by the US side and undermine mutual trust. The Chinese further described the nature and impact of Biden's remarks as highly negative. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden says he sees 'no real consequence' to calling Xi a 'dictator', expects to meet him in 'near term'

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a state visit to the United States, was questioned in a presser about free speech and religious freedom in India. The US reporter also asked the prime minister about discrimination against minority communities&nbsp; and the measures his government was taking to improve the rights of minorities in the country.</p>

<p>Replying to a reporter’s question at a joint press conference with US President Joe Biden, PM Modi strongly defended India’s record on democracy, his government’s performance and human rights.<br />
<br />
PM Modi dismissed concerns that minority communities were being discriminated against in India. Modi said no Indian citizen is discriminated against on the basis of caste, creed, religion, or gender.<br />
<br />
"We are a democracy...India &amp; America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit &amp; we live it and it's written in our Constitution...So no question of discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed or religion arises. That is why, India believes in sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayaas and walks ahead with it..,"<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1671944920893124609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
Further denying any discrimination against minority communities, he said, "Regardless of caste, creed, religion, gender, there's absolutely no space for discrimination. That is why, India believes in ‘Sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayaas’ and walks ahead with it."<br />
<br />
The PM emphasised that India's Constitution serves as the bedrock upon which the nation operates and ensures that every citizen is treated with equality and dignity.<br />
<br />
“Our Constitution and our government have always proved that democracy can deliver. And when I say deliver, it is regardless of caste, creed, religion, and gender. There’s absolutely no space for discrimination,” Modi said.<br />
<br />
Our government remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the principles of equality and justice, he added.<br />
<br />
“In India, the benefits that are provided by the government are accessible to all, whoever deserves them, they are available to everyone without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, age, or geographic location,” Modi said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Obama says India risks 'pulling apart' without minority rights</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, former US president Barack Obama, raised concerns about India as he said that New Delhi risks "pulling apart" if the Muslim minority is not respected. He also called for the matter to be raised with PM Narendra Modi, who is currently on a US visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Obama, who is&nbsp;on a visit to Greece where he is holding a weeklong session for emerging global leaders, said that addressing human rights with allies was always "complicated".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think it is true that if the president meets with Prime Minister Modi, then the protection of the Muslim minority in a majority-Hindu India, that's something worth mentioning," the first African-American president said in an interview with CNN International anchor Christiane Amanpour.</p>

<p>"If I had a conversation with Prime Minister Modi, who I know well, part of my argument would be that if you do not protect the rights of ethnic minorities in India, there is a strong possibility at some point that India starts pulling apart," Obama said.</p>

<p>"We've seen what happens when you start getting those kinds of large internal conflicts. So that would be contrary to the interests not just of Muslim India but also of Hindu India," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a state visit to the United States, was questioned in a presser about free speech and religious freedom in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a state visit to the United States, was questioned in a presser about free speech and religious freedom in India. The US reporter also asked the prime minister about discrimination against minority communities and the measures his government was taking to improve the rights of minorities in the country. Replying to a reporter’s question at a joint press conference with US President Joe Biden, PM Modi strongly defended India’s record on democracy, his government’s performance and human rights. PM Modi dismissed concerns that minority communities were being discriminated against in India. Modi said no Indian citizen is discriminated against on the basis of caste, creed, religion, or gender. "We are a democracy...India & America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit & we live it and it's written in our Constitution...So no question of discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed or religion arises. That is why, India believes in sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayaas and walks ahead with it..," #WATCH | "We are a democracy...India & America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit & we live it and it's written in our Constitution...So no question of discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed or religion arises. That is why, India believes in sabka… pic.twitter.com/orVkCVkLLf — ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2023 × Further denying any discrimination against minority communities, he said, "Regardless of caste, creed, religion, gender, there's absolutely no space for discrimination. That is why, India believes in ‘Sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayaas’ and walks ahead with it." The PM emphasised that India's Constitution serves as the bedrock upon which the nation operates and ensures that every citizen is treated with equality and dignity. “Our Constitution and our government have always proved that democracy can deliver. And when I say deliver, it is regardless of caste, creed, religion, and gender. There’s absolutely no space for discrimination,” Modi said. Our government remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the principles of equality and justice, he added. “In India, the benefits that are provided by the government are accessible to all, whoever deserves them, they are available to everyone without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, age, or geographic location,” Modi said. Obama says India risks 'pulling apart' without minority rights Earlier in the day, former US president Barack Obama, raised concerns about India as he said that New Delhi risks "pulling apart" if the Muslim minority is not respected. He also called for the matter to be raised with PM Narendra Modi, who is currently on a US visit. Obama, who is on a visit to Greece where he is holding a weeklong session for emerging global leaders, said that addressing human rights with allies was always "complicated". "I think it is true that if the president meets with Prime Minister Modi, then the protection of the Muslim minority in a majority-Hindu India, that's something worth mentioning," the first African-American president said in an interview with CNN International anchor Christiane Amanpour. "If I had a conversation with Prime Minister Modi, who I know well, part of my argument would be that if you do not protect the rights of ethnic minorities in India, there is a strong possibility at some point that India starts pulling apart," Obama said. "We've seen what happens when you start getting those kinds of large internal conflicts. So that would be contrary to the interests not just of Muslim India but also of Hindu India," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ]

‘Democracy is in India’s DNA, no space for discrimination,’ says PM Modi on minority rights

<p>In his speech to a combined session of the US Congress, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the considerable number of people residing in the United States with ancestral connections to India. The room burst into an applause&nbsp;when PM Modi specifically highlighted the momentous accomplishment of Kamala Harris, who was elected as the Vice President of the United States.</p>

<p>“There are millions in the US who have roots in India and some of them sit in this chamber. One of them is siiting behind, who has made history (pointing to Kamala Harris). I am told that Samosa Caucus is now the flavour of the House. I hope it grows and brings full diversity of Indian cuisine here,” PM Modi said.<br />
<br />
Samosa Caucus, named after the popular snack, refers to a group of elected members of the US Congress having&nbsp;Indian ancestry.</p>

<h2><strong>What's the 'Samosa Caucus'?</strong></h2>

<p>Subramanian Raja Krishnamoorthi, the representative for Illinois's 8th Congressional district in the United States, had popularised the term 'Samosa Caucus' to describe the growing community of Indian-American lawmakers, commonly referred to as "desi."</p>

<p>This caucus includes notable individuals such as Ro Khanna, Pramila Jaipal, Shri Thanedar, and Ami Bera, all of whom belong to the Democratic Party. While the 'Samosa Caucus' is not an official caucus, the shared cultural identity fosters closer ties and facilitates engagement with the US Congress.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-at-us-congress-momentous-developments-in-another-al-america-and-india-607562">PM Modi at US Congress: 'Momentous developments' in another Al - America and India</a></p>

<p>Ro Khanna emphasised the importance of representation in serving Indian-American communities and working to strengthen the defence and strategic partnership between the United States and India. Similarly, Krishnamoorthi pledged to address crucial issues affecting the community, such as high-skilled immigration reform and reinforcing the US-India partnership.</p>

<p>Currently composed entirely of Democrats, the 'Samosa Caucus' aligns with the presidency of Joe Biden.</p>

<p>The 'Samosa Caucus' is just beginning its journey within the Indian-American community's political landscape.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi on democracy and free speech</strong></h2>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced inquiries during a press conference regarding the topics of free speech and religious freedom in India. A reporter from the United States specifically questioned the prime minister about instances of discrimination against minority communities and inquired about the government's efforts to enhance the rights of these marginalized groups within the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;First lady Jill Biden plans the state dinner menu with guest chef Nina Curtis</strong></p>

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<p>PM Modi in his reply said that both India and America have "democracy in their DNA".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are a democracy...India and America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit and we live it and it's written in our Constitution," he said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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In his speech to a combined session of the US Congress, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the considerable number of people residing in the United States with ancestral connections to India.

In his speech to a combined session of the US Congress, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the considerable number of people residing in the United States with ancestral connections to India. The room burst into an applause when PM Modi specifically highlighted the momentous accomplishment of Kamala Harris, who was elected as the Vice President of the United States. “There are millions in the US who have roots in India and some of them sit in this chamber. One of them is siiting behind, who has made history (pointing to Kamala Harris). I am told that Samosa Caucus is now the flavour of the House. I hope it grows and brings full diversity of Indian cuisine here,” PM Modi said. Samosa Caucus, named after the popular snack, refers to a group of elected members of the US Congress having Indian ancestry. What's the 'Samosa Caucus'? Subramanian Raja Krishnamoorthi, the representative for Illinois's 8th Congressional district in the United States, had popularised the term 'Samosa Caucus' to describe the growing community of Indian-American lawmakers, commonly referred to as "desi." This caucus includes notable individuals such as Ro Khanna, Pramila Jaipal, Shri Thanedar, and Ami Bera, all of whom belong to the Democratic Party. While the 'Samosa Caucus' is not an official caucus, the shared cultural identity fosters closer ties and facilitates engagement with the US Congress. Also read | PM Modi at US Congress: 'Momentous developments' in another Al - America and India Ro Khanna emphasised the importance of representation in serving Indian-American communities and working to strengthen the defence and strategic partnership between the United States and India. Similarly, Krishnamoorthi pledged to address crucial issues affecting the community, such as high-skilled immigration reform and reinforcing the US-India partnership. Currently composed entirely of Democrats, the 'Samosa Caucus' aligns with the presidency of Joe Biden. The 'Samosa Caucus' is just beginning its journey within the Indian-American community's political landscape. Modi on democracy and free speech Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced inquiries during a press conference regarding the topics of free speech and religious freedom in India. A reporter from the United States specifically questioned the prime minister about instances of discrimination against minority communities and inquired about the government's efforts to enhance the rights of these marginalized groups within the country. Also watch | First lady Jill Biden plans the state dinner menu with guest chef Nina Curtis PM Modi in his reply said that both India and America have "democracy in their DNA". "We are a democracy...India and America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit and we live it and it's written in our Constitution," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

PM Modi lauds VP Kamala Harris, talks about 'Samosa Caucus' flavour of US Congress

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a state visit to America, was hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for the state dinner at the White House on Thursday. The two leaders hailed the bond between the two countries and remarked that the event was also a celebration of the ever-lasting friendship between both nations.</p>

<p>PM Modi also took a moment to acknowledge the contribution made by the Indian Americans residing in the United States towards the progress of the country and for also playing a significant role in strengthening its inclusive society and economy.</p>

<p>During his speech at the event, he said, "Indian Americans have come a long way in the US and have always found a respectful place in America's Melting Pot. Indian Americans have played a significant role in further strengthening the inclusive society and economy of the US."</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further elaborating on the cultural blend between the countries, he said that with the passage of time, the Indians and Americans were getting to know each other better. He jokingly remarked that the children in India dress up as Spiderman on Halloween and America's youth is dancing to the tunes of the popular track <em>Naatu Naatu</em>.</p>

<p>"With every passing day, Indians and Americans are getting to know each other better. Kids in India become Spiderman on Halloween and America's youth is dancing to the tunes of <em>Naatu Naatu</em>," he said.</p>

<p>"Amidst the love for Baseball, cricket is also getting popular in the US. The American team is trying their best to qualify for the Cricket World Cup to be held in India later this year. I wish them good luck and success,"&nbsp;he added.</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi raises toast for his 'wonderful hosts'</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian prime minister also took the opportunity to thank the United States president and first lady.&nbsp;"I want to thank US President Joe Biden for this wonderful dinner today. I would also like to thank First Lady Jill Biden for taking care of my visit to make it successful. Yesterday evening, you opened the doors of your house for me," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This evening is made special by the presence of the people of our two countries, they are our most precious assets. When we met in Japan, for the Quad Summit, you mentioned a problem that you were facing, I am sure that you must have resolved that problem. I hope you were able to fit in everyone who wanted to come for the dinner tonight," he further added.</p>

<p>Then PM Modi requested President Biden to join him for a toast.</p>

<p>"There is one more thing left to do tonight,&nbsp;please join me in raising a toast. A toast to our wonderful hosts, President Biden and Jill Biden. A toast to good health, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness, liberty, equality and to the ever-lasting bonds of friendship between India and the United States," Modi&nbsp;said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a state visit to America, was hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for the state dinner at the White House on Thursday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a state visit to America, was hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for the state dinner at the White House on Thursday. The two leaders hailed the bond between the two countries and remarked that the event was also a celebration of the ever-lasting friendship between both nations. PM Modi also took a moment to acknowledge the contribution made by the Indian Americans residing in the United States towards the progress of the country and for also playing a significant role in strengthening its inclusive society and economy. During his speech at the event, he said, "Indian Americans have come a long way in the US and have always found a respectful place in America's Melting Pot. Indian Americans have played a significant role in further strengthening the inclusive society and economy of the US." #WATCH | Indian Americans have come a long way in the US and have always found a respectful place in America's Melting Pot. Indian Americans have played a significant role in further strengthening the inclusive society and economy of the US: PM Modi during the official State… pic.twitter.com/5m92qoau7J — ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2023 × Further elaborating on the cultural blend between the countries, he said that with the passage of time, the Indians and Americans were getting to know each other better. He jokingly remarked that the children in India dress up as Spiderman on Halloween and America's youth is dancing to the tunes of the popular track Naatu Naatu. "With every passing day, Indians and Americans are getting to know each other better. Kids in India become Spiderman on Halloween and America's youth is dancing to the tunes of Naatu Naatu," he said. "Amidst the love for Baseball, cricket is also getting popular in the US. The American team is trying their best to qualify for the Cricket World Cup to be held in India later this year. I wish them good luck and success," he added. PM Modi raises toast for his 'wonderful hosts' The Indian prime minister also took the opportunity to thank the United States president and first lady. "I want to thank US President Joe Biden for this wonderful dinner today. I would also like to thank First Lady Jill Biden for taking care of my visit to make it successful. Yesterday evening, you opened the doors of your house for me," he said. "This evening is made special by the presence of the people of our two countries, they are our most precious assets. When we met in Japan, for the Quad Summit, you mentioned a problem that you were facing, I am sure that you must have resolved that problem. I hope you were able to fit in everyone who wanted to come for the dinner tonight," he further added. Then PM Modi requested President Biden to join him for a toast. "There is one more thing left to do tonight, please join me in raising a toast. A toast to our wonderful hosts, President Biden and Jill Biden. A toast to good health, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness, liberty, equality and to the ever-lasting bonds of friendship between India and the United States," Modi said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

At state dinner speech, PM Modi hails role of Indian Americans in progress of US

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