India, EU hold 11th human rights dialogue in New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 8: The 11th India-European Union (EU) Human Rights Dialogue took place in New Delhi today.

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, the meeting reinforced the commitment of both sides to strengthening human rights protections and promoting shared democratic values.

India and the EU highlighted the importance of enhancing national and international mechanisms for protecting human rights. Both sides committed to closer cooperation in multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

They agreed to facilitate more frequent exchanges between their Permanent Missions in Geneva after identifying opportunities for joint initiatives.

In addition, the discussions also took place on the issues of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, with both parties agreeing to align such efforts with international humanitarian law.

Commitment to Universal Human Rights

The discussions reaffirmed shared principles of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Both sides emphasised the universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of human rights, recognising the need to safeguard the independence and diversity of civil society actors, including journalists and other stakeholders.

The EU reaffirmed its opposition to the death penalty, while India reiterated its recognition of the Right to Development as a distinct, universal, and fundamental human right.

Discussing wide-ranging topics during the dialogue that included civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights; the elimination of discrimination in all forms; freedom of religion or belief and countering religious hatred: freedom of expression and opinion, both online and offline; gender equality, LGBTQI rights, and the rights of children etc..

Both sides welcomed the constructive nature of the dialogue and expressed optimism about further strengthening their partnership on human rights. The next India-EU Human Rights Dialogue is scheduled for 2026, continuing a tradition of meaningful and open discussions.