David Trone, a USA Congressman (House of Representatives), has been criticised for writing a letter protesting former US Ambassador to India Atul Keshap’s meeting with India’s social and cultural organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Hindu Human Rights activists and Former Student President at the University of Oxford, Rashmi Samant pointed to David Trone’s ignorance highlighted via his own letter.
Actually, Democrat David Trone represents the 6th District of Maryland which has the tenth highest number of Muslims of all US states.
Liquor retailer and politician David Trone in his letter said that he is writing on behalf of his constituents who have raised concerns over RSS’ ideology.
“As you know, the RSS has long promoted principles of Hindu nationalism, an ideology which threatens the Muslim community and other communities in India.”
Indian-origin US Ambassador has met with the RSS Chief to conduct a wide-ranging discussion.
“Good discussion with @RSSorg Shri Mohan Bhagwat about how India’s tradition of diversity, democracy, inclusivity, and pluralism can ensure the vitality and strength of a truly great nation.”
David Trone in his letter calling RSS a “radical nationalist” organisation adds:
“By engaging with RSS officials and discussing their ideology, the United States could lend legitimacy to this controversial group and further jeopardize the communities that the RSS has targetted.”
Under the influence of his constituents, David Trone has been critical of the RSS and BJP in the past too.
In 2019, David Trone had made statements that were critical of India’s use of “national security tropes to trample human rights” in Kashmir.
The same year, David Trone who was also a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee gave a speech at Pakistan American Political Action Committee (PAKPAC) meeting.
The Congressman this time spoke on the need for “increased trade” with Pakistan.
Prior to this, he had even established a fund to provide legal assistance to local Muslims who were affected by the Trump Administration’s travel ban.
Former President Donald Trump has issued Executive Order 13769, titled Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States, to temporarily ban the entry of Muslims in America.
Atul Keshap, who was the Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy, held a series of farewell meetings with prominent Indian leaders and heads of organisations as his tenure came to an end.
Before his departure, Atul Keshap said in a statement:
“The U.S.-India relationship has never been better. Working together, our two great democracies will continue to advance human happiness around the world for years to come.”
