Biden allocates $422mn for ‘democracy renewal’

CT News Service

New Delhi, December 9

US President Joe Biden on Thursday opened the first-ever Summit for Democracy by announcing a $422-million Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal, that will centre on five areas of work to enable transparent, accountable governance.

With India in attendance and Pakistan boycotting the summit, Biden outlined the five areas as supporting free and independent media, fighting corruption, bolstering democratic reformers, advancing technology for democracy and defending free and fair poll process. “In the face of sustained and alarming challenges to democracy and universal human rights around the world, more than ever, democracy needs champions”, Biden said. China has bridled at its exclusion and the invitation to Taiwan, with a Beijing official describing the two-day event as a “joke”.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have not been called while Nepal is attending. To tamp down on the criticism, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the invitation was not a “stamp of approval or disapproval.”

Prime Minister Modi lauds US initiative

Participating in the Summit for Democracy on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the initiative.

He said, “India is always ready to share its experiences with fellow democracies”. The PM would deliver the national statement on Friday.

As a special gesture, Modi was invited to participate in the main Leaders’ Plenary Session hosted by Biden. But he attended the second Leaders’ Plenary Session, hosted by President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

Modi highlighted India’s civilizational ethos as one of the original sources of democracy.

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