The European Parliament has expressed concern over the “deteriorating” human rights situation in India and voiced alarm regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed by its parliament last year. The European Parliament adopted the recommendations for the European Union on improving its bilateral partnership with India in view of the upcoming EU-India Leaders’ meeting in Porto, Portugal on 8 May.

“The European Parliament expresses concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in India, echoing comments by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and several UN Special Rapporteurs,” the text of a set of recommendations adopted by the parliament said.

Referring to reports that human rights defenders and journalists in India lack a safe working environment, the parliament said  there are concerns about the "difficult situation"faced by Indian women and minority groups.

The text also mentioned “caste-based discrimination, as well as the closure of Amnesty International’s India offices after its bank accounts were frozen over an alleged violation of India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)”. It added that three UN Special Rapporteurs have asked for an amendment to the FCRA.

The report also "voiced alarm” regarding India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), “which according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is fundamentally discriminatory in nature against Muslims and dangerously divisive”.

The text agreed by MEPs states that while the EU and India, as the world’s two largest democracies, and as strategic partners, share strong political, economic, social and cultural links, bilateral relations have not yet reached their full potential and require increased political engagement.

It also highlighted India’s rising regional and geopolitical influence, as the country has strengthened its position as an economic and military power, and rapidly grown as an important trading partner for the EU.

“Against the backdrop of heightened global risks and mounting great-power competition, Parliament calls on the European Union to continue improving and deepening the EU’s relationship with India as a strategic partner,” the statement said.

This includes working together to promote a shared vision of a rules-based world order in multilateral settings, reinforcing international security, fostering connectivity, fighting climate change and enhancing global economic stability.

The report advocated closer value-based trade relations between the EU and India, and the need to work together on reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Furthermore, it stressed on the value of sectoral partnerships, with regard to support for environmental goals, public health and the fight against COVID-19, private and public investment, connectivity, data protection and digital services.

The text noted that the EU was following closely the situation in Kashmir and reiterated the MEPs’ support for stability and de-escalation between India and Pakistan.

“Parliament calls on the EU to renew its efforts for rapprochement and restoration of good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan, based on principles of international law,” the text said.

Members also expressed concern at the deteriorating relationship between India and China, and the role of China’s expansive policy and substantial military build-up in the area.

“They reiterate their support for peaceful dispute resolution, the need for constructive and comprehensive dialogue, and the upholding of international law on the India-China border,” it said.

The text was approved by 594 votes in favour, 34 votes against, with 63 abstentions.

(SAM)