The 11th India-EU Human Rights Dialogue was held today in New Delhi, underscoring the strong commitment of both India and the European Union (EU) to advancing human rights globally. The Dialogue was co-chaired by Mr. Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Mr. Hervé Delphin, the Ambassador of the European Union to India.
This regular forum, which brings together key diplomats and experts from both sides, serves as an important platform for free, frank, and constructive discussions on human rights issues. The 2025 edition comes as both India and the EU continue to face evolving human rights challenges and work towards realizing their shared values of democracy, equality, and justice.
Celebrating Democratic Milestones
At the start of the Dialogue, both parties congratulated voters in India and the EU for their participation in the 2024 General Election in India and the European Parliament elections, respectively. These elections, which represented two of the largest democratic exercises in the world, were hailed as strong demonstrations of the principles of political and electoral rights in action. The two sides expressed pride in their democratic traditions and the continued importance of participatory governance.
Shared Commitment to Human Rights
In the discussions, both India and the EU emphasized their unwavering commitment to advancing all human rights, acknowledging their shared goals of promoting democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. The dialogue explored various dimensions of human rights, including civil and political rights, social and economic rights, and the rights of marginalized communities.
“We both recognize the indivisibility, interdependence, and universality of human rights,” said Mr. Srivastava. “Our discussions today reflect not only our shared values but also our determination to ensure that the fundamental rights of all individuals are respected and upheld.”
The dialogue included discussions on the freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly, highlighting the importance of protecting civil society organizations, journalists, and other stakeholders who play a vital role in democratic societies.
Key Areas of Focus
The Dialogue covered a wide range of human rights issues, where both sides presented their respective achievements and challenges:
- Capital Punishment: The EU reiterated its strong opposition to the use of capital punishment, while India reaffirmed its position on recognizing the Right to Development as a fundamental human right.
- Religious Freedom and Countering Religious Hatred: Both parties agreed on the importance of safeguarding freedom of religion and belief, with a specific focus on countering religious intolerance and hatred.
- Social, Economic, and Cultural Rights: The two sides exchanged views on eliminating discrimination in all its forms, as well as on ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups such as women, children, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
- Freedom of Expression and Digital Rights: The increasing impact of technology on human rights was also a central theme, with discussions focusing on the protection of online freedom of expression and combating online hate speech.
- Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: The promotion of women’s rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women were key areas of focus. Both sides agreed that women’s participation in all areas of public life remains crucial to the progress of society.
- Business and Human Rights: The need for responsible business practices that respect human rights in the corporate sector was highlighted, including efforts to hold businesses accountable for their actions.
Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation
The importance of multilateral cooperation was also stressed during the dialogue, particularly within international organizations like the United Nations (UN) and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Both India and the EU expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in these fora to promote and protect human rights at the global level.
As a step towards closer collaboration, the two sides agreed to facilitate more regular exchanges between the Permanent Missions of India and the EU in Geneva. This will create opportunities for joint actions on global human rights challenges, further reinforcing their shared commitment to upholding human dignity worldwide.
Cooperation in Humanitarian Aid
The dialogue also addressed cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, emphasizing adherence to international humanitarian law. Both sides reiterated the importance of providing assistance to vulnerable populations during emergencies and natural disasters, ensuring that humanitarian efforts are grounded in the respect for human rights and international law.
Looking Ahead to Future Dialogues
The India-EU Human Rights Dialogue serves as a cornerstone for bilateral cooperation on human rights. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the productive and comprehensive discussions held during this meeting, and emphasized the importance of continuing this constructive engagement.
Looking to the future, both sides expressed their commitment to the next Dialogue, scheduled for 2026, underscoring their shared goal of fostering a world in which human rights are universally respected and protected.