India and the European Union reiterated their shared commitment to democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and the promotion and protection of human rights at the 11th India-European Union Human Rights Dialogue held in New Delhi today. The meeting was co-chaired by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India.

Both sides emphasized the importance of safeguarding the freedom, independence, and diversity of civil society actors, organizations, and other stakeholders, including journalists. They highlighted the need to uphold freedoms of association, expression, and peaceful assembly. While the EU reiterated its opposition to capital punishment, India reaffirmed its recognition of the Right to Development as a universal, inalienable, and fundamental human right.

Discussions encompassed a wide range of issues, including civil and political rights, social, economic, and cultural rights, and the elimination of discrimination in all forms. The dialogue also covered freedom of religion or belief, efforts to counter religious hatred, gender equality, and the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals. Additionally, both sides exchanged views on the rights of migrants and the intersection of business and human rights.

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The two parties underscored the importance of strengthening national and international mechanisms to protect and promote human rights. They agreed on enhancing cooperation within multilateral fora, particularly at the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council, to advance their shared goals.

This dialogue reaffirms the enduring partnership between India and the EU in fostering global human rights and upholding shared democratic values.