On February 27 and 28, 2025, European Union commissioners are set to embark on a historic visit to India, aiming to bolster their strategic partnership and enhance collaboration across trade, technology, and security. However, ahead of this significant encounter, 12 human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, are advocating for a candid dialogue regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing human rights violations, stressing that advancements in bilateral relations must hinge on concrete human rights improvements.
The organisations have urged the visiting commissioners to call on Indian authorities to free unjustly detained human rights activists and critics of the government, to amend or abolish draconian laws suffocating freedom of expression, and to cease discriminatory practices against religious minorities. This sentiment was echoed by members of the European Parliament, who unanimously called for a more assertive stance on human rights issues during the upcoming discussions.
While pressing the Indian government is vital, the EU itself grapples with profound human rights dilemmas, including decreasing rule of law and rising discrimination within its own borders. The bloc’s foreign policy faced criticism for aligning with abusive regimes to stem migration, which reveals a troubling double standard regarding human rights violations globally. This backdrop calls for a reciprocal approach where India, too, addresses its internal rights challenges in dialogue with EU representatives.
A robust and principled EU-India relationship should encourage mutual critique and respect rather than avoidance of uncomfortable topics. The EU’s persistent silence, spurred by fears of jeopardising relations with an increasingly authoritarian ally, fosters an environment of impunity and amplifies rights abuses. Continually bypassing human rights in negotiations would be a strategic misstep, undermining the foundations of a genuine partnership founded on shared values of freedom and dignity.
The EU’s visit to India on February 27-28, 2025, aims to strengthen strategic ties. Twelve human rights groups urge the EU to confront Modi’s human rights violations, linking trade relations to reforms. The EU faces its own human rights challenges, highlighting the need for mutual scrutiny. A constructive dialogue is essential to prevent impunity and ensure a meaningful partnership.
In summary, the EU’s upcoming visit to India presents a crucial opportunity to confront pressing human rights issues. As organisations advocate for accountability and reform in India, the EU must balance its strategic interests with a firm commitment to promoting human rights. Engaging in openly critical dialogues could foster a more genuine partnership, ensuring that the pursuit of mutual interests does not overshadow the imperative of safeguarding human dignity.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
