Summary of Amnesty International’s Statement on the EU-India Summit (January 27,2026)
This statement from Amnesty International,released ahead of the EU-India Summit,urges both the European Union and India to prioritize human rights in their relationship and globally. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
core Argument:
* Mutual Accountability: Both the EU and India need to improve their own human rights records and hold each other accountable. The EU shouldn’t remain silent on India’s abuses for economic/strategic gain, and India should push the EU to live up to its human rights commitments.
* Human Rights as Central to Partnership: Human rights should be integrated into all aspects of the EU-India relationship – trade, security, energy, and people-to-people exchanges.
* Strong Signal Needed: Silence on human rights violations sends a dangerous message of normalization and impunity.
Specific Concerns Regarding India:
* Repressive laws: India is increasingly using laws to suppress freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, targeting human rights defenders, journalists, and activists.
* Discrimination & Violence Against minorities: Abusive laws and policies against Muslims, Christians, and other minorities are escalating, including punitive demolitions of property despite court rulings and UN calls to stop.
* Insufficient Focus in EU Agenda: The new EU-india Strategic Agenda (October 2025) gives shockingly little attention to human rights.
Specific Concerns regarding the EU:
* Backsliding on Rule of Law: EU member states are eroding the rule of law and backtracking on commitments, impacting rights within Europe.
* Threats to Human Rights Defenders: Activists and organizations (especially those working on climate, migration, LGBTIQ+, and Palestinian rights) face increasing threats.
* Arms Transfers to Israel: Both the EU and India are contributing to violations of international law by continuing to supply military equipment to Israel, and Amnesty calls for a comprehensive arms embargo.
Amnesty International calls for a robust and principled partnership between the EU and India, where human rights are not sidelined for political or economic expediency.
You can find more information at the links provided in the text.