Recent Violence in India

Responded on behalf of the Foreign Secretary, noting that the British high commission and diplomatic network are closely monitoring developments. Raised concerns about violence, persecution or targeting based on religion and expressed trust in India's inclusive government values. The UK Government has been raising concerns with Indian officials regarding the potential impact of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Critiqued the initial response as lacking depth and raised specific concerns about violence against Muslims and the discriminatory nature of the CAA. Emphasised that Prime Minister Modi's rhetoric is translating into brutal actions targeting minorities.

Complimented the initial response but added details on arrests made following the riots and community meetings organised to restore peace. Highlighted efforts by Indian police to calm tensions.

Suggested that UK Government should build upon existing frameworks to counter disinformation online, which is exacerbating tensions in India. Urged for a real assessment of online actors involved in spreading misinformation.

Asked the Minister to confirm that he would use his office to relay concerns about brutality by law enforcement during protests to Indian authorities.

Challenged the Government's approach, highlighting systematic discrimination under Modi's BJP and linking it to historical fascist ideologies. Questioned what steps UK PM is taking to address this issue.

Called for a thorough investigation of abuses perpetrated in India and urged the Government to use its influence to promote restraint and freedom of religion.

Supported the call for action on human rights abuses, stating it is central to UK foreign policy.

Expressed concern over religious intolerance in India and asked for reassurances that human rights will not be compromised in trade deals with the Indian Government.

Asked about actions to bolster the position of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding intervention pleas against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Raised concerns over police complicity in violence against Muslims and asked for reassurances that steps are being taken to ensure safety of Muslim lives in India.

Called for proactive measures rather than reactive responses, urging the Foreign Office staff to plan how to raise pressure on human rights issues before further escalation.

Highlighted a pattern of conduct designed to marginalise Muslims in India, asking for actions through the Commonwealth forum alongside bilateral representations.

Asked if the intervention application by UN High Commissioner is an internal sovereign issue or international matter given India’s international obligations.

Echoed concerns over ethnic and religious minorities in India, specifically referring to Sikh genocide in 1984 and asking for steps to ensure safety of all minorities.

Suggested using aid policies to encourage good relationships between communities in India and asked if the Minister is considering such measures.

Expressed sadness over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which makes citizenship dependent on religion, deviating from principles of equality enshrined in India’s constitution.

Asked for a meeting between Minister and Indian High Commissioner to discuss constituents’ concerns about families and friends in India. Highlighted the value of pluralism and safety across faiths in UK.

Inquired about advice given to Home Office regarding religious persecution cases from individuals seeking asylum due to ongoing situation in India and Jammu and Kashmir.

In August 2019, the Indian Government stripped Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir of its autonomous status. In December, it passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which provides a path to citizenship for all migrant minorities except Muslims and creates a national register of citizens, forcing Indians to provide documents to prove their citizenship, which many poorer Indians do not have and many Muslims will not be able to get. Does the Minister accept that the recent violence in Delhi, which has been whipped up by BJP politicians and has led to dozens of deaths, is just the latest targeted assault on Muslims by the Modi Government?

The UK Government have deep concerns about the escalation that the hon. Lady refers to. She mentioned the NRC, which is currently enacted in the state of Assam. We have not received any confirmation from the Government of India that it will be expanded India-wide, but she is right to raise concerns, because millions of people could be affected and will be very concerned about this policy.

Does my hon. Friend agree that the UK leads the way on the global stage on freedom of religion and belief?

I do indeed. We actively promote the importance of freedom of religion and belief and we combat discrimination on the basis of religious identity through our diplomatic activity and through the UN and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Recently, delegates from Nottingham’s Indian diaspora came to see me and challenged me—quite legitimately—over our special connection and relationship with India, which they said gave us a responsibility to speak out against what we have seen in Kashmir and with the CAA. The Minister has talked about the contact between our Government and the Government of India, but he has not said what impact that has had. He has detailed his strategy. What evidence does he have that it is working?

As I have said numerous times, we are constantly making representations where we believe there are human rights abuses. On Kashmir, as is well known, our position is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution while taking into account the wishes of Kashmiri people. The Indian Government take notice of what the UK Government say, and that dialogue will continue.

The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is of particular concern to my constituents, many of whom have family and friends in the region. This is obviously a complex issue, but will my hon. Friend agree to put more pressure on the Indian and Pakistani Governments to take action to find a resolution that results in peace in Jammu and Kashmir?

Indeed. My ministerial colleagues talk to their colleagues in not just the Indian but the Pakistani Government. I can assure my hon. Friend and his constituents that that dialogue continues, and that we consistently press for channels of dialogue to remain open. We believe that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution, and we want to encourage the pace and scope of their dialogue.

Will the Minister join me in rejecting the language of riots, clashes, protest and communal violence? This is, in fact, a continuation of sustained and systemic Hindutva violence waged on the Muslim and many minority ethnic communities in India that is sanctioned by Modi’s BJP Government.

The UK Government have long regarded protest as a legitimate means of raising issues and as part of democratic society, but any allegations of human rights abuse are very concerning, and we believe that they should be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently.

Can the Minister share with us the reason why the Indian Government have excluded Muslims from the Citizenship (Amendment) Act? Does he agree that legislation should never discriminate on the basis of faith?

I can assure the hon. Lady that such legislation does give us cause for concern, especially for the Muslim community, and we make those points very clearly when we meet our counterparts.