"We Have CAA... Doors Open For People In Trouble": Jaishankar On Biden Calling India "Xenophobic", Anti-Immigrants

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar has responded to US President Joe Biden calling India "xenophobic" and citing this as a reason for India's 'economic stagnation'.

"First of all, our economy is not faltering," Jaishankar said at the ET Roundtable on Friday (3 May) adding that India has been very open to different people from different societies.

On Biden's claim on India not wanting immigrants, the EAM said, "That's why we have the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act), which is to open up doors for people who are in trouble."

"I think we should be open to people who have the need to come to India, who have a claim to come to India," Jaishankar added attacking the Western media that runs narratives against India.

"They have indicated open preference for other political parties in India. They have waded into specific issues, taking up positions... They believe they have a role in what is happening," he continued.

This comes after Biden argued that immigrants have contributed to the strength of the United States, attributing economic stagnation in countries like China, Japan, Russia, and India to "xenophobia".

Biden made these remarks at a fundraising event in Washington, which coincided with the beginning of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

“Why is China stalling so badly economically, why is Japan having trouble, why is Russia, why is India, because they are xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants. Immigrants are what makes us strong," he said.