Menendez hits Trump over response to Delhi riots

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) hammered President Trump on Thursday over his response to deadly riots in Delhi upon the president’s return from a two-day trip to India.

In a statement released by his office, the senator called on Trump to make a public statement about the riots, which began in response to a law passed by India’s government making it easier for only non-Muslim residents of neighboring countries to become Indian citizens.

“President Trump’s failure to publicly voice concern about the clashes or express support for the human rights of all Indians during his visit to India is simply unacceptable. The United States must be a leading voice in standing up for democratic values and human rights, including protection of religious minorities,” said the New Jersey Democrat.

“I urge the Trump Administration, and the rest of the international community, to condemn the violence in Delhi and press the Indian government to protect all persons in India regardless of their religion,” Menendez added.

Trump’s two-day visit to India, his first to the country as president, came amid the violent protests that have so far seen more than 100 injured and several deaths. Hindu groups in favor of the new law have been accused of attacking Muslim groups and others opposed to the legislation. At least one of the deaths reported earlier this week was a police officer.

India and the U.S. announced upon Trump’s visit that the two would sign a defense agreement involving the purchase of more than $3 billion in U.S. military equipment.