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India and the EU discussed a comprehensive range of topics, including civil and political rights, social and economic rights, and freedom of expression
The 11th edition of the India–European Union (EU) Human Rights Dialogue took place in New Delhi on Wednesday (January 8, 2025), reaffirming the shared principles of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law between the two parties. The discussions, co-chaired by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, focused on a range of human rights issues and areas of mutual concern.
The dialogue commenced with both sides congratulating voters in India and the EU for their active participation in the democratic processes of 2024, through the Indian General Elections and European Elections. These elections, among the largest democratic exercises globally, were celebrated as testaments to the political and electoral rights of their citizens.
Both delegations welcomed the opportunity for free and frank discussions within the framework of the dialogue and emphasized their mutual commitment to promoting and protecting all human rights. The talks covered achievements, challenges, and developments in human rights since the last dialogue held in July 2022.
Key Themes Discussed
India and the EU discussed a comprehensive range of topics, including civil and political rights, social and economic rights, and freedom of expression both online and offline. Specific areas of focus included gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights, children’s rights, women’s empowerment, and the elimination of all forms of discrimination.
The two parties also addressed critical issues such as freedom of religion and belief, countering religious hatred, and ensuring freedom of assembly and association. In this context, they agreed on the importance of safeguarding the independence and diversity of civil society organizations and protecting journalists and other stakeholders.
On the matter of capital punishment, the EU reiterated its opposition, advocating for its abolition, while India emphasized its recognition of the Right to Development as a universal and fundamental human right.
The dialogue also ventured into contemporary concerns such as technology and human rights, the rights of migrants, and the role of businesses in upholding human rights. Both sides acknowledged the need for cooperation in addressing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Strengthening Multilateral Engagement
The two sides underscored the importance of strengthening national and international mechanisms for protecting and promoting human rights. They highlighted the significance of enhancing collaboration in multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
To this end, India and the EU committed to closer cooperation and regular exchanges between their Permanent Missions in Geneva. These efforts aim to identify opportunities for joint actions on shared human rights priorities at the international level.
Commitment to Democratic Values
Reflecting on the dialogue, both delegations reaffirmed their shared dedication to democracy, freedom, and human dignity. “India and the EU reiterated their commitment to the shared principles and values of democracy, freedom, rule of law, and the promotion and protection of all human rights,” stated a joint press release.
The dialogue served as a platform for mutual learning, where both sides outlined their respective approaches and achievements in advancing human rights. It also provided an avenue to address challenges and explore strategies for fostering inclusive and equitable societies.
Looking ahead, India and the EU expressed their intent to continue these constructive discussions, with the next Human Rights Dialogue scheduled for 2026.
The dialogue also comes in the backdrop of broader strategic cooperation between India and the EU. The renewal of the EU-India strategic partnership roadmap, due later in 2025, is expected to further enhance bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade, climate change, and security.
The engagement reflected the evolving nature of the India-EU relationship, which has grown to include discussions on pressing global challenges. Both sides recognized that their partnership holds the potential to set a strong example for addressing complex issues, including human rights, through dialogue and cooperation.
The 11th India–EU Human Rights Dialogue reinforced the robust ties between the two partners, emphasizing their shared commitment to democratic values and human rights. By addressing a wide array of issues and committing to closer cooperation, the dialogue paved the way for deeper engagement and joint action in the future.
As India and the EU navigate a world marked by geopolitical and social challenges, their collaboration in promoting and protecting human rights remains a cornerstone of their partnership. This dialogue not only showcased their mutual respect and shared aspirations but also underscored their ability to work together in addressing global issues for a more inclusive and equitable world.
The dialogue commenced with both sides congratulating voters in India and the EU for their active participation in the democratic processes of 2024, through the Indian General Elections and European Elections. These elections, among the largest democratic exercises globally, were celebrated as testaments to the political and electoral rights of their citizens.
Both delegations welcomed the opportunity for free and frank discussions within the framework of the dialogue and emphasized their mutual commitment to promoting and protecting all human rights. The talks covered achievements, challenges, and developments in human rights since the last dialogue held in July 2022.
Key Themes Discussed
India and the EU discussed a comprehensive range of topics, including civil and political rights, social and economic rights, and freedom of expression both online and offline. Specific areas of focus included gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights, children’s rights, women’s empowerment, and the elimination of all forms of discrimination.
The two parties also addressed critical issues such as freedom of religion and belief, countering religious hatred, and ensuring freedom of assembly and association. In this context, they agreed on the importance of safeguarding the independence and diversity of civil society organizations and protecting journalists and other stakeholders.
On the matter of capital punishment, the EU reiterated its opposition, advocating for its abolition, while India emphasized its recognition of the Right to Development as a universal and fundamental human right.
The dialogue also ventured into contemporary concerns such as technology and human rights, the rights of migrants, and the role of businesses in upholding human rights. Both sides acknowledged the need for cooperation in addressing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Strengthening Multilateral Engagement
The two sides underscored the importance of strengthening national and international mechanisms for protecting and promoting human rights. They highlighted the significance of enhancing collaboration in multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
To this end, India and the EU committed to closer cooperation and regular exchanges between their Permanent Missions in Geneva. These efforts aim to identify opportunities for joint actions on shared human rights priorities at the international level.
Commitment to Democratic Values
Reflecting on the dialogue, both delegations reaffirmed their shared dedication to democracy, freedom, and human dignity. “India and the EU reiterated their commitment to the shared principles and values of democracy, freedom, rule of law, and the promotion and protection of all human rights,” stated a joint press release.
The dialogue served as a platform for mutual learning, where both sides outlined their respective approaches and achievements in advancing human rights. It also provided an avenue to address challenges and explore strategies for fostering inclusive and equitable societies.
Looking ahead, India and the EU expressed their intent to continue these constructive discussions, with the next Human Rights Dialogue scheduled for 2026.
The dialogue also comes in the backdrop of broader strategic cooperation between India and the EU. The renewal of the EU-India strategic partnership roadmap, due later in 2025, is expected to further enhance bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade, climate change, and security.
The engagement reflected the evolving nature of the India-EU relationship, which has grown to include discussions on pressing global challenges. Both sides recognized that their partnership holds the potential to set a strong example for addressing complex issues, including human rights, through dialogue and cooperation.
The 11th India–EU Human Rights Dialogue reinforced the robust ties between the two partners, emphasizing their shared commitment to democratic values and human rights. By addressing a wide array of issues and committing to closer cooperation, the dialogue paved the way for deeper engagement and joint action in the future.
As India and the EU navigate a world marked by geopolitical and social challenges, their collaboration in promoting and protecting human rights remains a cornerstone of their partnership. This dialogue not only showcased their mutual respect and shared aspirations but also underscored their ability to work together in addressing global issues for a more inclusive and equitable world.
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