‘Democratic backsliding’: Washington Post, Financial Times editorials on situation in India

On a day when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s plea to put a stay on his conviction in a defamation case was rejected and in a separate case, all accused persons in the Naroda Gam masssacre of the 2002 Gujarat riots were acquitted, editorials in two foreign newspapers – Financial Times and The Washington Times – expressed concerns about “democratic backsliding” in India.

The editorials also criticised the West for turning a “lamentably blind eye” to the actions of the Narendra Modi government, which the newspapers said, is seen as a counterweight to China.

The newspapers pointed out that during her visit to India in March, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo had described Modi as “unbelievable, visionary” and “the most popular world leader for a reason”.

In view of Raimondo’s comments, The Washington Post wrote that the US administration should be equally vocal about Modi’s “backsliding” as it is about Xi Jinping. The Financial Times wrote: “Businesses and investors see opportunities in India for growth and diversification away from China. But the weakening rule of law will make them think twice.”

‘Widespread democratic decline’ – Changes in syllabus to attack on press and minorities

Besides the Surat court’s refusal to stay Gandhi’s conviction, Financial Times editorial flagged a number of other developments that could be seen as the Modi government targeting its rivals and critics.

“Modi’s backers have stifled free...

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