Human Rights Watch Criticizes EU Over Silence on India’s Human Rights Situation

Human Rights Watch Criticizes EU Over Silence on India’s Human Rights Situation
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Human Rights Watch has criticized the European Union for what it calls a deliberate disregard of India’s escalating human rights crisis. The organization highlighted that Indian human rights defenders, independent journalists, and activists are increasingly operating under a climate of fear and intimidation.

The remarks come shortly after the EU unveiled its new strategic agenda with India, emphasizing economic and political cooperation. Human Rights Watch argued that the agenda praises India as the world’s largest democracy and a reliable partner while overlooking persistent human rights abuses.

The organization specifically pointed to rising violence and discrimination against religious minorities, often linked to policies and rhetoric from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party. Reports include illegal evictions, property demolitions based on religion, arbitrary arrests, crackdowns on civil society, and restrictions on media and internet access aimed at suppressing dissent.

Human Rights Watch urged EU leaders to reconsider the implications of granting Modi unchecked engagement without accountability. The group called on the European Commission and member states to address violations openly and to tie progress in bilateral relations to concrete human rights outcomes. By taking such steps, the EU could ensure that economic and political collaboration does not overshadow fundamental rights and freedoms.