New Delhi, June 24: The 12th Human Rights Dialogue between India and the European Union (EU) took place in New Delhi on Wednesday. The meeting was co-chaired by Piyush Srivastava, Additional Secretary (Europe West), and H.E. Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to India.
During the discussions, both parties welcomed meaningful, open, and clear conversations. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on topics such as democracy, freedom of expression, and human-centered artificial intelligence (AI).
The participants shared insights on their respective efforts, achievements, and challenges in promoting human rights for all. They also exchanged views on developments related to human rights in India, the EU, and at regional and international levels since the last dialogue in January 2025.
Both sides recalled the 16th India-EU Summit held in January 2026 in New Delhi, where leaders expressed their commitment to further strengthening the India-EU strategic partnership. This partnership is based on shared values and principles such as democracy, human rights, pluralism, the rule of law, and a rules-based international order centered around the United Nations.
In light of increasing global challenges, India and the EU reiterated their commitment to promoting and protecting all human rights. As major democracies, open market economies, and diverse societies, both parties emphasized that all human rights apply universally and are interconnected.
The dialogue covered various issues, including civil and political rights, social, economic, and cultural rights, the elimination of all forms of discrimination, the rights of migrants, freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression both online and offline, gender equality, and children’s rights.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to collaboratively develop trustworthy, sustainable, and human-centered AI, as expressed during the AI Impact Summit 2026 hosted by India.
They also discussed potential avenues for enhancing cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The parties shared updates on their efforts to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and explored ways to strengthen collaboration in these areas.
India and the EU recognized the importance of enhancing cooperation with national and international human rights institutions and mechanisms to promote and protect human rights. They acknowledged the necessity of safeguarding the freedom, independence, and diversity of civil society organizations, journalists, and other stakeholders.
The EU reiterated its opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances and without exception. India reaffirmed its stance on recognizing the right to development as a fundamental human right.
Both parties agreed to continue discussions on human rights issues at bilateral and multilateral levels. This includes regular India-EU Human Rights Dialogues and discussions during the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). They also shared ideas on concrete ways to enhance mutual consultation and cooperation at the international level.
Both sides expressed hope that the next human rights dialogue in 2027 will continue the same constructive and positive discussions.
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