Photo Credit: www.eeas.europa.eu
India and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on human rights, democratic values and multilateral engagement during the 12th India-European Union Human Rights Dialogue, held in New Delhi on June 24, 2026. The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including civil and political rights, gender equality, migration, artificial intelligence (AI), humanitarian assistance and cooperation at the United Nations, reflecting the growing breadth of the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Piyush Srivastava, Additional Secretary (Europe West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, and Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides described the discussions as “meaningful, free and frank” and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the dialogue as a regular institutional mechanism for engagement on human rights.
Building on Momentum from the India-EU Summit
The meeting reviewed developments since the previous India-EU Human Rights Dialogue held in January 2025 and assessed progress, challenges and evolving priorities in advancing human rights in India, the European Union and globally. The participants also exchanged views on regional and international developments affecting the global human rights landscape.
The two sides recalled the 16th India-EU Summit, held in New Delhi in January 2026, where leaders committed to elevating the India-EU Strategic Partnership based on shared democratic values.
The MEA said the leaders had agreed to raise the partnership “to a higher level based on shared values and principles including democracy, human rights, pluralism, rule of law, and the rules based international order with the UN at its core,” as reflected in the Summit’s Joint Statement.
Wide-Ranging Discussions on Human Rights
The dialogue addressed a broad spectrum of human rights issues, including civil and political rights, social, economic and cultural rights, elimination of discrimination, migrant rights, freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of expression and opinion in both online and offline spaces. Gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights and child rights also formed part of the discussions.
Highlighting the importance of continued engagement, the MEA stated: “In an era of growing global challenges, during the Dialogue, India and the EU reiterated their commitment to the promotion and protection of all human rights. As major democracies, open market economies, diverse societies, and together home to nearly one fourth of the world population, India and the EU emphasised the universality, indivisibility and interrelatedness of all human rights.”
Cooperation on AI, Humanitarian Assistance and Business Standards
The dialogue also reflected the expanding scope of India-EU cooperation beyond traditional human rights issues.
India and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to developing trustworthy, sustainable and human-centric artificial intelligence, building on the outcomes of the AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted by India earlier this year.
Officials further discussed enhancing cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, while exchanging updates on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Both sides explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in these areas.
Different Positions on Capital Punishment and Right to Development
The dialogue also acknowledged areas where India and the EU continue to hold differing positions.
According to the MEA, both sides recognised the importance of strengthening national and international human rights institutions and mechanisms, while emphasising the need to safeguard the freedom, independence and diversity of civil society organisations, journalists and other stakeholders, alongside respecting freedom of association and peaceful assembly.
The statement noted that: “The EU reiterated its opposition to capital punishment in all cases and without exception. India reiterated its stand on recognition of the Right to Development as a distinct, universal, inalienable and fundamental human right.”
Focus on Multilateral Engagement
The dialogue concluded with both sides reaffirming their intention to continue working together through bilateral and multilateral platforms.
The MEA said India and the EU reiterated their commitment to “continue to engage on human rights in a bilateral and multilateral context, including through the regular India-EU human rights dialogue and on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC),” in line with the Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda. They also exchanged views on concrete avenues for future consultation and cooperation at the multilateral level.
Both sides expressed confidence in the value of sustained engagement and looked forward to holding the next India-EU Human Rights Dialogue in 2027, signalling their shared intent to maintain regular consultations as the broader India-EU Strategic Partnership continues to deepen.
