The government on Friday rejected the United States' "will closely monitor" comment on India's implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, or CAA, calling out the remarks as "misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted" and interference in New Delhi's internal matters.
"The Citizenship Amendment Act is about giving citizenship, not about taking away citizenship. It addresses the issue of statelessness, provides human dignity and supports human rights," the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said at a scheduled press briefing this afternoon.
"As regards the US State Department's statement on the implementation of the CAA, we are of the view that it is misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted," the ministry spokesperson stressed.
In a sharp response, the government also said, "Lectures by those who have a limited understanding of India's pluralistic traditions, and the region's post-partition history are best not attempted.
"Partners and well-wishers of India should welcome the intent in this step."
Earlier today US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller was asked if the American government is concerned that the CAA could affect religious freedom in India. "We are concerned... we are closely monitoring this law (and) how it will be implemented," Mr Miller responded.The CAA was notified Monday, weeks before the country holds a general election.
The law - it was cleared by Parliament in 2019 but implementation was delayed due to the pandemic - is meant to ease the citizenship process for undocumented non-Muslim migrants (from six communities) who are fleeing from religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
Critics have questioned the government over the exclusion of Muslims, but Home Minister Amit Shah has said the law is meant to help minorities in those countries facing religious persecution.
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