American Senator Ben Cardin

India today made light of the criticism of alleged human rights violations and religious intolerance by a American senator Ben Cardin, saying it was his "first visit", and that after Mr Cardin's meetings in India, he would have developed "better understanding" of the country.

India is willing to discuss human rights issues on the basis of "equality and partnership" with the US ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington next week, but will not accept any kind of 'judgemental pronouncements' in this regard, Indian officials said.

India today made light of the criticism of alleged human rights violations and religious intolerance by a American senator Ben Cardin, saying it was his "first visit", and that after Mr Cardin's meetings in India, he would have developed "better understanding" of the country.

India is willing to discuss human rights issues on the basis of "equality and partnership" with the US ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington next week, but will not accept any kind of 'judgemental pronouncements' in this regard, Indian officials said.