India, often championed as the world’s largest democracy, is confronting a wave of international scrutiny regarding its human rights record. At a recent discussion hosted by Chatham House, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar appeared uneasy when questions arose about civil liberties, reflecting his country’s struggles under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Though he acknowledged that no nation is perfect, his response quickly reverted to typical denials of systemic issues.
Questions from advocacy groups regarding declining civil liberties under the BJP were met with a terse dismissal by Jaishankar, who preferred to steer the conversation to less contentious topics. Bronwen Maddox, the moderator, pressed him on the implications of India’s self-proclaimed status as a democracy contrasted against mounting human rights concerns. Despite his irritation, he struggled to evade the probing query about how India plans to confront its shortcomings.
Jaishankar’s responses often felt contradictory as he acknowledged some concerns while insisting India maintains a strong record relative to the global landscape. He described India as a credible democracy where citizens possess growing faith, arguing that criticisms are misplaced despite considerable evidence to the contrary.
His attempt to conclude with a vision of India as a rising power was unsettled by pressing inquiries on civil liberties, highlighting a stark deviation from political aspirations to urgent societal issues. Advocacy groups, including prominent names like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, had recently sent a letter to EU leaders, accentuating a ‘profound’ human rights crisis birthed from the current government’s actions.
Human Rights Watch’s Claudio Francavilla emphasised the need for governments to take human rights criticisms seriously, as dismissive attitudes fail to resolve documented abuses. Although he recognised the broader regional context of human rights issues, he argued that this should not excuse India’s authoritarian tendencies, making a strong case for India to lead by positive example by respecting democratic values.
Francavilla pointed out that true democratic leadership is measured not by the scale of elections but by the treatment of minorities and dissenters. He called for reforms including the release of political prisoners and the allowance of civil society’s unfettered operation, arguing against the current culture of repression that contradicts democratic principles.
India faces intensified international scrutiny regarding its human rights record, particularly under the BJP government. At a recent event, Jaishankar’s discomfort became evident when questioned about civil liberties and human rights abuses. Critics highlight a disconnect between India’s democratic self-image and its actual treatment of dissenters and minorities, prompting calls for urgent reforms and acknowledgment of existing issues.
India’s growing tensions with international scrutiny highlight serious ongoing human rights concerns amid its claims of being a global democratic leader. Jaishankar’s reluctant acknowledgment of imperfections in India’s human rights record juxtaposed against the BJP’s governance illustrates a profound disconnect that raises urgent questions about the true state of civil liberties. Advocacy groups underscore the need for India to elevate its human rights standards while calling for significant reforms to honour its democratic aspirations.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
