Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington, DC today to a very warm welcome

from President Biden.

Bands and an honor guard on the south lawn of the White House later, bilateral talks.

Even later, a state dinner, the Biden administration calls this a meeting of two of the world's

biggest and oldest democracies.

But outside of the White House, protesters disputed that characterization.

India is not the world's largest democracy.

India is the world's most populated country that holds elections.

That's it.

Democracy is dead in India.

India under Modi is backsliding on things that democracy's prize, like human rights and

press freedoms and independent courts.

So why has President Biden opened his arms to Modi?

That's all coming up on today's point.

The Mishambhli Raya Chau, Ajay Samjavu.

You're listening to today's point.

I'm Noelle King and here is Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, previewing Narendra Modi's

visit.

Simply put, we see this defining relationship as a unique connection between the world's

oldest and largest democracies with a special obligation now to demonstrate that our governments

can deliver for and empower all of our citizens.

Sedanand Dume is a columnist for the Wall Street Journal and a senior fellow at the American

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