Thank you for contacting me about India.
India and the UK share deep and longstanding ties, with a relationship based on mutual interests, such as regional security, international development and tackling climate change, and I am glad that Ministers are working to increase cooperation with India over the next decade. It is also because of HM Government's (HMG) close relationship with the Government of India that difficult issues can be discussed, and concerns raised, where they exist, including at a Ministerial level.
Indeed, respect for human rights underpins the UK's foreign policy, and I can assure you that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) maintains a continuous assessment of human rights across India. The FCDO's project work in India primarily tackles the drivers of human rights violations and HMG engages with India on a range of human rights matters.
HMG is committed to defending the rights of minorities, including Freedom of Religion or Belief for all, and promoting respect and tolerance between different communities. India, like the UK, also has a long democratic tradition of inclusive governance. That said, where concerns exist and it is appropriate for them to be raised, HMG does so directly with the Government of India, including at ministerial level. This is done while recognising that reports of discrimination against minorities are a matter for the Indian police and local legal system.
Rest assured, however, that the British High Commission in New Delhi and our network of Deputy High Commissions follow any such reports closely. Our High Commissions also regularly engage meet with minority groups and religious representatives in India, and run projects supporting minority rights in India. This includes women's rights and LGBT rights.
HMG is aware of concerns around media freedom in India. The British High Commission in New Delhi continues to follow these events closely, while recognising that the Indian judicial system is a matter for the Government of
India. FCDO officials also work closely with and regularly engage with India's vibrant media, which promotes lively debate across the political spectrum. In addition, the UK has led discussions with G7 members and guest states, India included, on further multilateral coordination to promote media freedom.
I appreciate your concerns of recent reports from Punjab. As a fervent champion of human rights, I am assured that FCDO Ministers continue to raise human rights issues with the British High Commission in New Delhi and our network of Deputy of High Commissions follow any such reports closely.
It is not for me to comment on an ongoing police operation within another country. More broadly, I am assured that FCDO Ministers continue to raise human rights issues with the British High Commission in New Delhi and our network of Deputy of High Commissions follow any such reports closely.
I am appalled by the attacks on the Indian High Commission in London on 19 March 2023. Alongside HMG, I believe this is a completely unacceptable action against the integrity of the Commission and its staff. There is ongoing work with the Metropolitan police to review the protection measures around the High Commission and any necessary changes will be made to ensure the safety and security of its staff.
The UK looks to India to uphold all freedoms and rights guaranteed in its strong constitution and by the international instruments to which India is a party and will continue to do so.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.