Clinton Welcomes Indian Prime Minister

Sept. 15 -- As President Clinton met with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee at the White House today, a much smaller gathering in New York focused on the religious persecution of India’s Christian minorities by the ruling party and its sister organizations.

In a ceremonial welcome on the South Lawn, Clinton paid tribute to the Indian democratic tradition and the non-violent Independence struggle spearheaded by the Indian leader, Mahatma Gandhi.

“It is not only India’s democracy but India’s manner of achieving democracy that will forever inspire America,” Clinton said. “From very different histories, India and the United States have forged a common bond, arising from our common commitment to freedom and democracy. Our challenge is to turn our common bond into common achievements.”

Vajpayee’s visit is expected to reap hefty economic gains for India. U.S. trade agencies are expected to announce agreements and loans for India today that could boost exports by up to $1 billion. The U.S. Export-Import Bank will sign trade finance agreements with Indian financial institutions that would support nearly $1 billion in American exports to India.

Hot-Potato Issues

But while both sides will try to steer clear of any controversial issues, John Dayal of the United Christian Forum for Human Rights in India and the Rev. Bernard Chand, president of the International Council of Evangelical Churches, were expected to hold a briefing, hosted by Human Rights Watch, on religious persecution of India’s Christian minority.

“I am not seeking sanctions against India,” said Dayal. “I am only here to plead with the Indian community in the U.S. to put pressure on the government of India to restore India’s record for religious tolerance.”

Although the Indian Constitution upholds secularism, attacks on Christians in recent years have ranged from killing of priests and raping of nuns, to the physical destruction of Christian schools, churches and cemeteries.