UN Spokesperson Refuses To Comment To Biden’s Claim That India’s Economy Stalling Due To ‘Xenophobia’

A UN spokesperson chose not to address US President Joe Biden’s remarks regarding India’s economic performance. Biden had expressed that India was facing economic challenges due to being ‘xenophobic’ and not welcoming immigrants. Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, refrained from commenting on Biden’s statement. The discussion also encompassed China, Russia, and Japan, reflecting on global perceptions of economic policies and immigration practices. When questioned about the UN’s interpretation of ‘xenophobia’, Haq highlighted that it aligns with the standard dictionary definition. “is simply the dictionary definition”.

Haq, in his response to Biden’s comment, added, “But certainly, we believe that all of our member states should continue to uphold all of the basic standards in the UN Human Rights covenants, including those that involve treating all races, all nationalities with respect. And we believe that all of the member states of the UN work towards that end.”

Biden’s statement

Biden had said, “You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants. We look to — the reason — look, think about it. Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants.”

International Monetary Fund report

However, reports by several international organisations and multinationals tell a different story from that of Biden, who has a record of making fact-challenged statements.

According to the International Monetary Fund, the US economy grew by 2.5 per cent last year and is expected to grow this year by 2.7 per cent, while India, according to Biden, has a “stalling” economy grew three times faster than the US at 7.8 per cent last year and is projected for a two-and-a-half time faster growth at 6.8 per cent this year.

China’s economy grew by 5.2 per cent last year with a projection of 4.8 per cent this year.

White House reacts to Biden’s statement

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre tried to play down Biden’s assertion, saying that “he was making a more broad comment, speaking about this country and speaking about how important it is to be a country of immigrants”.

“Obviously, we have a strong relationship with — with — with India, with — with Japan. And the President, if you just look at the last three years, has certainly — certainly has focused on that diplomatic — those diplomatic relationships,” she added.