On 26th August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden had a telephonic conversation to discuss wide range of topics. Hours before their conversation, US diplomats met National Conference leaders in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the scheduled Assembly Elections. In recent times, the meetings between Indian Opposition leaders and US diplomats have made headlines more frequently than before, raising concerns over possible US interference in Indian democracy.
There have been reports that US diplomats also met protesting farmer leaders which is being seen as a sign of meddling with India’s internal affairs.
Spoke to @POTUS @JoeBiden on phone today. We had a detailed exchange of views on various regional and global issues, including the situation in Ukraine. I reiterated India’s full support for early return of peace and stability.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 26, 2024
We also discussed the situation in Bangladesh and…
As per the official press release of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation for President Biden’s deep commitment the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which is based on shared values of democracy, rule of law and strong people-to-people ties.
They reviewed the significant progress in bilateral relations and highlighted that India-US partnership is aimed at benefiting the people of both countries as well as the entire humanity. They also talked in detail on a number of regional and global issues. During the discussion, they talked about the situation in Ukraine and PM briefed President Biden about his recent visit to Ukraine. Furthermore, they discussed the situation in Bangladesh and emphasised restoration of law and order and ensuring safety and security of the minorities, particularly Hindus.
Interestingly, press release by White House had no mention of Bangladesh or Hindus in Bangladesh. The press release read, “President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to discuss the Prime Minister’s recent trip to Poland and Ukraine, as well as the United Nations General Assembly meetings in September. The President commended the Prime Minister for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector. The Leaders affirmed their continued support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law, on the basis of the UN Charter. The Leaders also emphasized their continued commitment to work together, including through regional groups like the Quad, to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”
US Diplomats met NC leaders in Jammu and Kashmir
Ahead of the Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir, United States diplomats, including Minister-Counsellor for Political Affairs Graham Mayer and First Secretary Gary Applegarth, met National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah. The meeting took place at Abdullah’s Gupkar Road residence in Srinagar. Reportedly, during the meeting, the leaders and diplomats discussed a wide range of issues related to Jammu and Kashmir and the region in general.
According to ANI’s report, Abdullah emphasised the need to reconsider the travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir, noting that restrictions in the region have been eased. He also encouraged foreign tourists to visit Jammu and Kashmir to experience the culture and beauty firsthand.
Speaking to the media, National Conference Chief Spokesperson and Head of Communications, Tanvir Sadiq, stated that a wide range of topics were discussed during the meeting, “pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir and the region in general.” He added that Political Counsellor Abhiram was also part of the US delegation.
Received US diplomats at Gupkar who called on National Conference Vice President @OmarAbdullah. The delegation included Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs Graham Mayer, First Secretary Gary Applegarth, and Political Counselor Abhiram.
— Tanvir Sadiq (@tanvirsadiq) August 26, 2024
Member of Parliament and senior leader… pic.twitter.com/Kzu4iUoS5W
From the National Conference’s side, Member of Parliament and senior NC leader Ruhullah Mehdi was also present at the meeting. On X (formerly Twitter), the National Conference noted that Abdullah invited the diplomats to visit Kashmir with their families as a first step to build confidence among international tourists from the US and other countries.
The party remarked, “Discussions covered a wide range of issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir and the region in general. Omar Abdullah emphasised to the diplomats the importance of reconsidering the travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir with a view to easing the restrictions. He encouraged people from around the world to visit Kashmir and experience its beauty and culture firsthand. He also invited the diplomats to visit Kashmir with their families as a first step to inspire confidence among tourists from the United States and other parts of the world.”
US Diplomats Met Indian Opposition Leaders
While this visit by US diplomats to Kashmir may appear “friendly,” it should be noted that, in August alone, US diplomats have met several Indian leaders behind the scenes. On 14th August, Sputnik India published a report highlighting meetings between Jennifer Larson and Indian Opposition leaders.
Larson is the US Consul General in charge of the American mission in Hyderabad. She met All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi. In a post on X, she wrote, “Thank you, Member of Parliament and leader of AlMIM Asaduddin Owaisi for your kind hospitality and for sharing your informed and important views on a range of shared issues and concerns. I look forward to continuing our discussions!”
Thank you, Member of Parliament and leader of AlMIM @asadowaisi for your kind hospitality and for sharing your informed and important views on a range of shared issues and concerns. I look forward to continuing our discussions! #USIndiaFWD pic.twitter.com/WsDTVzKI0h
— Consul General Jennifer Larson (@USCGHyderabad) August 12, 2024
The US diplomat also met N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. On X, she wrote, “It was an honor to meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu today. I very much admire his vision for the state, and fully agree with him that the United States and Andhra Pradesh must continue to work together in such important fields as trade, technology, education, and strengthening broader people-to-people ties.”
It was an honor to meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu today. I very much admire his vision for the state, and fully agree with him that the United States and Andhra Pradesh must continue to work together in such important fields as trade, technology,… pic.twitter.com/lHnF29Fy82
— Consul General Jennifer Larson (@USCGHyderabad) July 31, 2024
Additionally, she met Revanth Reddy, the Chief Minister of Telangana. On X, she wrote, “I had an excellent meeting today with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on the eve of his departure to the United States to mobilize new investments. Hyderabad hosts close to 200 U.S. companies and continues to absorb more and more in several high-end tech sectors such as Al, contributing to the success story of U.S.-India trade buoyancy. I wished CM Reddy much success in his efforts and promised to extend our cooperation!”
I had an excellent meeting today with Telangana Chief Minister @revanth_anumula on the eve of his departure to the United States to mobilize new investments. Hyderabad hosts close to 200 U.S. companies and continues to absorb more and more in several high-end tech sectors such as… pic.twitter.com/GAkPrvMkf7
— Consul General Jennifer Larson (@USCGHyderabad) August 2, 2024
Notably, she had met the AIMIM chief and Telangana Chief Minister earlier in July as well. On X, she wrote, “So wonderful to join the Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Hyderabad Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi and Prince Rahim Aga Khan in the completion ceremony of Qutb Shahi Heritage Park today, and so proud that US Consulate General Hyderabad played a supporting role in the restoration of these beautiful, historic monuments of Hyderabad. It speaks to the deepening U.S.-Telangana cultural ties throughout the years!”
So wonderful to join the Telangana Chief Minister @revanth_anumula, Tourism and Culture Minister @jupallyk_rao, Hyderabad Member of Parliament @asadowaisi and Prince Rahim Aga Khan in the completion ceremony of Qutb Shahi Heritage Park today, and so proud that @USandHyderabad… pic.twitter.com/I43EDmMoS2
— Consul General Jennifer Larson (@USCGHyderabad) July 28, 2024
Fear of US meddling in India’s affairs
The recent meetings between US diplomats and Indian opposition leaders raised concerns that America may be trying to meddle in India’s internal affairs, with this being particularly important in terms of the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections. A parallel can be drawn similar to the earlier alleged US meddling in Bangladesh where reports suggest that USAID and other foreign interests might have been involved in toppling Shiekh Hasina’s government.
Accusations have emerged about the US backing up resistance movements against Hasina, leading to escalated tensions and unrests within Bangladesh. These actions are indicative of a repeated conduct by the US where it uses its diplomatic strength to influence local politics of sovereign states.
In light of this background, such talks between the US diplomats and Indian opposition could be suspicious for some, especially considering the sensitive status of Jammu and Kashmir where any external force may impact negatively on political and social stability of the region.
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections
The voting for the Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir will take place in three phases. The first phase of voting will be held on 18th September, the second phase on 25th September, and the third phase on 1st October. The counting of votes will take place on 4th October. Campaigning for the Assembly Elections is gradually gaining momentum in Jammu and Kashmir amidst tightened security.
Reportedly, Congress and the National Conference have divided the seat share for the elections. The NC will contest 51 out of 90 seats, while Congress will contest 32 seats. A “friendly” contest will take place on five seats. One seat has been allocated to CPI(M) and Panthers Party. So far, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced 16 candidates for the elections.
